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
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 |