Epidendrum octomerioides Schltr.

  • Family

    Orchidaceae (Magnoliophyta)

  • Scientific Name

    Epidendrum octomerioides Schltr.

  • Primary Citation

    Feddes Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 3: 248. 1907

  • Description

    Author: Catherine V. Bainbridge

    Description: Epiphytic, rhizomatous creeping herbs, the erect part of the plants to ca. 15 cm tall. Pseudobulbs lacking. Stems slender, new stems being produced from midpoint of old stems. Leaves 1 or 2, terminal on stem; blades linear-ligulate, 3.5-12 x 0.6-1.3 cm, the apex obtuse. Inflorescence apical, racemose, short (lacking peduncle), of several, greenish-white, highly fragrant, resupinate flowers, flowering simultaneously (from mature growth), with elliptical, acute floral bracts, which are equidistant to ovary. Flowers: Dorsal sepal extended, elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate, 8-9 x 2-3 mm, the apex acute; lateral sepals similar, but oblique. Petals extended, linear, ca. 8 x 2 mm, the apex acute. Lip triangular to cordate, 5-6 x 4-5 mm, the apex acute. Column straight.

    Common names: Not recorded.

    Distribution: Honduras to Costa Rica from sea level to 700 m.

    Ecology: Moist to wet forests.

    Phenology: Flowers have been observed in Jan, and from Oct to Dec.

    Pollination: According to Dressler (1981) Epidendrum is basically Lepidopteran pollinated, with a few species adapted to fly pollination and several that are adapted to hummingbird pollination. The pale color of the perianth of this species and the sweet fragrance reminiscent of the flowers of Citrus (Rutaceae) or the flowers of coffee plants (Rubiaceae) suggests that this species may be pollinated by moths.

    Dispersal: Wind dispersed.

    Taxonomic notes: Not recorded.

    Conservation: CITES II

    Uses: Not recorded.

    Etymology: Not recorded.

  • Sorry, no descriptions available for this record.