Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E.Higgins
Clamshell Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Anacheilium cochleatum, Encyclia cochleata, Epidendrum cochleatum
Prosthechea cochleata, commonly known as the Clamshell Orchid, is distributed in the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, as well as the southern counties of Florida. This plant produces 1-3 thin, keeled leaves and 1-15 non-resupinate flowers. The sepals and petals are yellow-green with a few purple spots at the base. The uppermost part of the lip is broadly cordate and concave, purple to brown in color with veins radiating from the base. Another color form, albidoflava, has sepals and petals that are creamy white with a yellow lip.
This orchid grows on tree trunks and branches in damp forests.
Prosthechea cochleata is apparently secure throughout its range but considered endangered in Florida.
Pollination
The autogamous, 3-anthered Prosthechea cochleata var. triandra is the only variety found in Florida. This promotes self-pollination, an important adaptation when insect pollinators are not present.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- epiphyte
- Leaf arrangement:
- alternate
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- one
- two
- three
- 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
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- Up to 11 mm
- Sepal length:
- 25–35 mm
- Plant height:
- Up to 60 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 |