Prosthechea fragrans (Sw.) W.E.Higgins

  • Family

    Orchidaceae (Magnoliophyta)

  • Scientific Name

    Prosthechea fragrans (Sw.) W.E.Higgins

  • Primary Citation

    Phytologia 82(5): 377. 1997

  • Basionym

    Epidendrum fragrans Sw.

  • Description

    Author: Catherine V. Bainbridge

    Description: Epiphytic herbs, to ca. 30 cm. Pseudobulbs stipitate, elliptic, 5-12 × 1-1.5 cm, somewhat flattened, unifoliate, with papery sheaths. Leaf blades elliptic-ligulate, 9-31 × 2.2-4.2 cm. Inflorescences 5-9 cm long, of several (usually 2-6) cream to ivory flowers. Flowers: dorsal sepal lanceolate, 19-30 × 5-7 mm, the apex acuminate; lateral sepals similar to dorsal sepal but carinate. Petals similar to sepals, rhombic-obovate, the apex acuminate. Lip broadly ovate, 14-21 × 9-12 mm, concave, white to ivory with violet lines, the apex short acuminate. Column 6-7 mm long, with three, fleshy apical teeth. Pollinia 4, laterally flattened, with strap-like caudicles.

    Common names: Not recorded.

    Distribution: Widely distributed from Mexico to Ecuador and the Antilles from sea level to 1000 m.

    Ecology: In moist to wet forests.

    Phenology: This species has been observed in flower in Mar, May to Jul, Nov, and Dec.

    Pollination: According to Dressler (1981), most of the species involved suggest bee or wasp pollination.

    Dispersal: Wind dispersed.

    Taxonomic notes: This genus was previously classified as Encyclia.

    Conservation: CITES II

    Uses: Ornamental.

    Etymology: The species epithet refers to the pleasant fragrance of the flowers.

  • Sorry, no descriptions available for this record.