Trichocentrum undulatum (Sw.) Ackerman & M.W.Chase
Spotted Mule Eared Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Epidendrum maculatum, Lophiaris maculata, Oncidium undulatum
Trichocentrum undulatum, known as the Spotted Mule Eared Orchid, is known from Florida and is distributed in the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Individuals consist of a shoot with one tough, leathery, folded leaf. Reproductive individuals produce a large, showy, many-flowered inflorescence with glossy brown to yellow-green flowers that are marked with brown. The plant can reach height of 1-5 m. The flowering period is April-September and plants grow on the trunks and branches of trees, usually buttonwood and mangrove in coastal forests.
Trichocentrum undulatum is endangered in Florida but is apparently secure across its broad range.
Pollination
This orchid is pollinated by female Centris errans that visit the flower in search of food and leave with a pair of pollinia attached to them to deposit on the stigma of the next flower visited.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- epiphyte
- 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
- white
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a panicle
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- Up to 18 mm
- Sepal length:
- 16–17 mm
- Plant height:
- Up to 150 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Apparently Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |