This scented orchid is producing a mass of flower in the eastern Glasshouse corridor.
An epiphytic species, Stanhopea oculata occurs in tropical zones between 1000m and 3000m above sea level from southern Mexico to northern Nicaragua. It is one of an estimated 70 species from Mexico to Central and South America. Members of the genus have complex flower structures held in pendent racemes and comprising three outer sepals; two wing-like petals and a waxy lip-like petal; and a distinct column containing male and female reproductive organs. S. oculata has a clump of basal pseudobulbs which bear one large, evergreen leaf. Short-lived, fragrant flowers are pale yellow, white or cream and are covered with maroon spots. The flowers of this genus are pollinated by male Euglossine bees (orchid bees) which mistakenly identify the flowers for female bees. The genus commemorates Philip Henry, the Fourth Earl of Stanhope (1781-1855) who was the President of the Medico-Botanical Society, while the species name oculata means eyes, and is presumably used in reference to the markings on the flower.