Masdevallia

Finding

SITF has determined this plant to be Masdevallia nidifica (Yellow form), not M. ventricosa (Jan 2026). The key differences between M. nidifica and M. ventricosa are the sepaline tails; M. nidifica has very long and slender sepaline tails vs. shorter, thicker tails in M. ventricosa; this plant matches the longer, slender sepaline tails of M. nidifica. It closely matches the form and color of the prior awarded M. ventricosa 'Mellow Yellow', determined by SITF to be M. nidifica. This plant is also supported by several of the photos of M. nidifica in the orchidroots.com and matches Luer's line drawings for the species. Images of true Masdevallia ventricosa can be found on IOSPE.

Overall Length Of Growth Cane: 20 x 10

Number Of Leaves Per Growth Or Cane: 1

Leaf Shape: Ovate to Lanceolate

Inflorescence Overall Length: 8

Flower Natural Spread Length: 3.9

Flower Natural Spread Width: 3.0

Dorsal Sepal Length: .7

Dorsal Sepal Width: .6

Lateral Sepals Length: .25

Lateral Sepals Width: .3

Judging Center: Mid-Atlantic

Award Number: 20254537

Award Date: December 13, 2025

Awarded As: CCM

Seventy diminutive flowers and 14 buds held well above clean foliage, making a delightful presentation evenly displayed around circumference of plant grown in sphagnum moss in a round glass container aesthetically proportional to plant; sepals, petals, and caudae pale yellow, dorsal sepal lightly striped mahogany centrally, distinct mahogany column; cupped flowers consistent in size and shape; substance delicate; texture waxy. Submitted as Masd. ventricosa to SITF for species verification. If determined to be Masd. nidifica, judges unanimously agreed that the award will stand.

See more Masdevallia SITF listings
Learn more about the Masdevallia genus