Epidendrum nocturnum

Epidendrum nocturnum (the "nocturnal epidendrum") is the type species of the genus Epidendrum of the Orchidaceae (Orchid family). The species occurs in Florida, Bahamas, West Indies, Belize, Central America to northern Brazil and the Guyanas. Epidendrum nocturnum is common in South Florida. It is usually autogamous (flowers self-pollinate) and sometimes cleistogamous (flowers self-pollinate before they open). The haploid chromosome number of E. nocturnum has been determined as n = 20. The diploid chromosome number has been determined both as 2n = 40 and as 2n = 80.In 1984, the variety E. nocturnum var. guadeloupense was determined to have a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 42—48. On November 7, 2010, Kew did not recognize the existence of this variety in its World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Epidendrum

Family

Orchidaceae

Hardiness Zone

10-12

Mature Height

30 cm to 61 cm

Mature Spread

20 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Size

5.08 cm to 6.35 cm

Bloom Time

All year round

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

All year round

Native Area

Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Colombia, Bahamas, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica

Tags (5)

Common Names (3)