Vanilla phaeantha Rchb.f.
Leafy Vanilla, Oblong Leaved Vanilla
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Vanilla planifolia var. macrantha
Vanilla phaeantha, commonly known as Leafy Vanilla or Oblong Leaved Vanilla, is distributed from south Florida throughout the Caribbean and southeast Mexico to Central America. This orchid germinates in the decaying leaves at the base of trees and stumps and may spend years winding up a tree trunk before reaching the increased light in the canopy needed to stimulate flowering. Stems have one oblong leaf per node and 1-12 pale green flowers per inflorescence develop in June and July. The white lip is tubular with yellow stripes. This orchid can be found growing on trees in cypress swamps and hammocks.
Vanilla phaeantha is endangered in Florida, although apparently secure across its wide range.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported but Vanilla species are often pollinated by large euglossine bees.
Ecosystem Type
Swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- epiphyte
- Leaf arrangement:
- alternate
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is lobed
- Main color of labellum:
-
- white
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
-
- the labellum is lobed
- the labellum is saccate
- Labellum length:
- 75–90 mm
- Sepal length:
- 70–90 mm
- Plant height:
- Up to 2500 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 |