'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 is a very impressive FUUKIRAN in many ways. Its name could be translated as "Bright Temple" or "Bright Palace" pointing to a vary interesting torafu or tiger type variegation called amanogawa. It is characterized by having a middle portion of the leaf white. 'Houmeiden' variegation is ephemeral, as the leaf matures it turns completely green. Such a beautiful feature reminds me of nagajuban 長襦袢, one of the layers of kimono 着物. Only the white collar edge of the traditional nagajuban shows from beneath the outer kimono.
The other prized quality of 'Houmeiden' is in its roots. Bright amethyst-pink to ruby-red colored growing root tips contrast with white velamen of the rest of the root. It is quite a showcase to see this orchid during its active growth.
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| Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 displayed in Chinese pot with dragon carving and perforated rhombus pattern |
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| Close up view of Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 with young variegated leaves |
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| Close up view of Neofinetia falcata 'Houmeiden' 豊明殿 growing root tip |
* The characteristics used are of the plants that I own
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