Cyrtopodium punctatum (L.) Lindl.
Bee Swarm Orchid, Cigar Orchid, Cowhorn Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Cymbidium trinerve, Cyrtopodium bracteatum, Epidendrum punctatum
Cyrtopodium punctatum is native to Florida and has a range that includes Mexico and south to Argentina. It has several common names - Bee Swarm Orchid, Cigar Orchid, and Cowhorn Orchid, and is one of the most dramatic orchids native to Florida. A mass of pseudobulbs can grow up to 1.5 meters across and an individual inflorescence can produce more than 500 flowers. Sepals are pale yellow-green and spotted with purple. Petals are a brighter yellow than the sepals and have fewer, smaller markings. The lip is reddish brown with orange markings in the center. Populations were once common in hardwood hammocks and open swamps.
Cyrtopodium punctatum is considered globally secure although in Florida this orchid is endangered. Intense collecting pressure during the last century has greatly impacted populations of this orchid and illegal collection continues to be a threat.
Pollination
This orchid uses aromatic compounds to attract the oil collecting bees, Centris errans and Euglossa hemichlora.
Ecosystem Type
Swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- epiphyte
- Leaf arrangement:
- alternate
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- six
- seven or more
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is lobed
- Main color of labellum:
-
- green to brown
- pink to red
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a panicle
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- 15 mm
- Sepal length:
- 30 mm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |