Campylocentrum pachyrrhizum (Rchb.f.) Rolfe

Crooked Spur Orchid, Ribbon Orchid

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Aeranthes pachyrrhyza, Aeranthes spathaceus

Campylocentrum pachyrrhizum, known as the Crooked Spur Orchid, is a leafless epiphyte that grows in Florida and is distributed from the West Indies through the Caribbean and Mexico into northern South America. Seedlings have leaves, but these wither as the plants grow, leaving a cluster of thick, chlorophyllous roots that radiate from an inconspicuous stem. These wide, flattened roots suggest this orchid’s other common name, the Ribbon Orchid, and their bronze tips distinguish this species from Florida’s other leafless orchids. The flowers grow in crowded spikes and are apricot-orange in color. The lip is white with a pink overlay. This orchid occurs in hardwood hammocks, tramways, and sloughs in the Fakahatchee Swamp, usually on the trunks or thickened branches of royal palms, pond apple, and pop ash.

Campylocentrum pachyrrhizum is endangered in Florida but apparently secure across its wide range.

Pollination

The Campylocentrum pachyrrhizum has a tendency for self-fertilization.

Ecosystem Type

Swamps, woodlands

Characteristics

Habitat:
epiphyte
Number of leaves on stem:
absent
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is lobed
Main color of labellum:
  • pink to red
  • white
Nectar spur:
present
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
the labellum has a spur
Labellum length:
2–3 mm
Sepal length:
Up to 4 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