Epidendrum acunae Dressler

Acuna's Star Orchid

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Epidendrum blancheanum, Spathiger roigii

Epidendrum acunae, commonly known as Acuna's Star Orchid, is distributed in the West Indies, Mexico, Central America. In Florida, it is known only from a single location within the Fakahatchee Swamp in Collier County. This orchid has a very distinctive pendant habit and trailing, branching stems which makes it easy to identify even when it is not in flower. The stem produces branches with 2-6 alternate leaves and 1-3 brownish-green flowers at the tip of each branch. It can be found growing on the trunks of larger trees, such as pop ash and pond apple trees, in dense wooded swamps and sloughs.

Epidendrum acunae is endangered in Florida and may be extirpated there, although this orchid is apparently secure across its range where it is reported to be widespread but uncommon.

Ecosystem Type

Swamps

Characteristics

Habitat:
epiphyte
Leaf arrangement:
alternate
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is simple
Main color of labellum:
  • blue to purple
  • green to brown
Nectar spur:
absent
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence has one flower or a pair of flowers
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum is simple
Labellum length:
9–14 mm
Sepal length:
Up to 14 mm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank Apparently Secure
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data