Object Details
Description
This medium sized orchid is believed to be self-pollinated in Florida, as it has no known pollinators there.
Ethnobotanical Uses
The psuedobulb can be cooked and eaten. It is also the national flower of Belize.
Pollination Syndrome
Wasp
Provenance
From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
Accession Number
2009-1397A
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Life Form
Epiphytic
Bloom Characteristics
Erect inflorescence is 8-15" (20-38 cm) long with up to 20 upside down, green flowers with a white and dark purple lip. Flowers are 3.5" (8.75 cm) across and can bloom for 6 months.
Fragrance
Scentless to slightly spicy
Plant Size
10-20" x 7-10" (25-51 x 18-25 cm), excluding inflorescence
Range
S Florida, Caribbean, Mexico to N South America
Habitat
Dense tropical forests; 0-6200ft (0-1900m)
See more items in
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
Common Name
Clamshell Orchid
Cockleshell Orchid
Octopus Orchid
Orquidea Negra
Group
[vascular plants]
Class
Equisetopsida
Subclass
Magnoliidae
Superorder
Lilianae
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Subfamily
Epidendroideae
Genus
Prosthechea
Species
cochleata
Data Source
Smithsonian Gardens
Topic
Orchids
Living Collections
Link to Original Record
Record ID
ofeo-sg_2009-1397A