Prosthechea cochleata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Prosthechea
Species:
P. cochleata
Binomial name
Prosthechea cochleata
(L.) W.E.Higgins
Synonyms
  • Anacheilium cochleatum
  • Encyclia cochleata
  • Epidendrum cochleatum

Prosthechea cochleata, commonly referred to as the clamshell orchid[1] or cockleshell orchid, is an epiphytic, sympodial New World orchid native to Central America, the West Indies, Colombia, Venezuela, and southern Florida.[2] It is also known as the black orchid in Belize, where it is the national flower.[3]

Each oblong discoid pseudobulb bears one or two linear nonsucculent leaves. The flowers are unusual in that though the labellum is usually below the column in the orchids, in the members of Prosthechea the labellum forms a "hood" over the column. This makes the flower effectively upside down, or non-resupinate. Whereas the species usually has one anther, Prosthechea cochleata var. triandra is an endangered variety that has three anthers and is autogamous, allowing its existence in Florida where no appropriate pollinators appear to be present.[4]

P. cochleata is common in cultivation, and is valued for its uniquely shaped and long-lasting flowers on continually growing racemes. Several hybrids have been produced with this species, including the popular Prosthechea Green Hornet.[5] (still often listed as Encyclia Green Hornet)

References

  1. ↑ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Prosthechea cochleata". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  2. ↑ Encyclia cochleata
  3. ↑ "National Symbols". Government of Belize. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
  4. ↑ Prosthechea cochleata var. triandra in Flora of North America @ efloras.org
  5. ↑ Prosthechea Green Hornet at Royal Horticultural Society Orchid Register
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