I pronounce this Greek name something like 'zi reek-eez', not that it matters in the least. The large flowers of this Malaysian orchid have an unusual mushroom pink tinge. The lip is very dark (almost black) and fades to a beautiful rich rusty red/brown. This flower is very attractive.

It flowers on very small seedlings and is a very regular bloomer. The flowers open sequentially (one after the other) and because each one lasts so long, the display extends over many weeks. It tends to flower but once a year, unlike its very close brother Coelogyne speciosa many of  which produce new spikes over several months.

Coelogyne xyrekes should be grown in a hanging basket so as to appreciate the downward facing flowers. It has to totally protected from frost. A bonus of a hanging pot in a glasshouse is the temperature is generally warmer near the roof.

Negatives: The flowers have a very droopy attitude typical of this group of Coelogynes. The flowers face downwards to prevent heavy rain washing the pollen away or onto itself and causing self pollination.

Rating: ♦♦♦♦ This is a very nice orchid and makes a great addition to accompany your Coelogyne speciosa.

Varieties: None known

Hybrids:

1.Coelogyne Kirribilli Joyce (Kevin Dawes, 2013) - using Coelogyne speciosa as the pod parent.

2. Coelogyne Orchideengarten Saskia (M Karge-Liphard 2014) using Coelogyne usitana as the pod parent.

3. Coelogyne Orchideengarten Marei (M Karge-Liphard 2014) using Coelogyne cristata as the pollen parent.

4. Coelogyne Orchideengarten Clara - using Coelogyne Lentil Soup as the pod parent (K Karge Orchideengarten - Aug 2015).

5. Coelogyne Kirribilli Francis - using Coelogyne marmorata as the pod parent (Kevin Dawes, 2015)

6. Coelogyne Liberty Rainforest Magic (Ch Swoboda 2019) - using Coelogyne lawrenceana as the pod parent.

7. Coelogyne Liberty Rainforest Mystic (Ch Swoboda 2019) - using Coelogyne salmonicolor as the pod parent.

8. Coelogyne Liberty Rainforest (Ch Swoboda 2019) - using Coelogyne Lyme Bay as the pod parent. (Coelogyne Lyme Bay is a hybrid between Coelogyne speciosa and Coelogyne usitana).

 

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