any of numerous orchids of the genus Masdevallia; tufted evergreen often diminutive plants whose flowers in a remarkable range of colors usually resemble a tricorn with sepals fused at the base to form a tube

Masdevallia is a large genus of impressive plants of the Pleurothallidinae, subtribe of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). There are over 500 rather different species, grouped into several subgenera. The genus is named for Jose Masdeval, a physician and botanist in the court of Charles III of Spain.