Masdevallia aurea Luer, Phytologia 39: 188. 1978.
TYPE: Ecuador. Morona-Santiago: eastern slopes of the Andes, alt. 1700 m, Dec. 1974, collected by B. Malo s.n., cultivated near Cuenca, flowered in cult. 15 Jul 1977, C. Luer 1702 (holotype, SEL; detail of holotype).