Epidendrum conopseum - Green fly orchid
Family Orchidaceae
Description:
About twenty thousand species of orchids are native around the world, native to every continent except Antarctica.Orchids range from tiny species barely an inch across to a giant species in New Guinea that grows into clumps over twenty feet across. Orchids may grow in the ground or as epiphytes on trees. The green fly orchid is interesting because it is the northernmost epiphytic species in Florida. Its flowers are very small. The plant's ornamental value for the garden is very low.
Location:
See plants along the Lake Oneida boardwalk.
Size:
Herbaceous plant about three or four inches tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: part shade
Water: likes high humidity and normal rainfall, somewhat drought tolerant
Soil: this plant grows as an epiphyte on the trunks and branches of trees
This little plant may be encountered in the wild but is cultivated only by a few collectors for its botanical interest.