Prosthechea cochleata

Taxobox
name = "Prostechea cochleata"

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image_width = 250px
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Orchidaceae
subfamilia = Epidendroideae
tribus = Epidendreae
subtribus = Laeliinae
alliance = Epidendrum
genus = "Prosthechea"
species = "P. cochleata"
binomial=Prosthechea cochleata
binomial_authority=(L.) W.E.Higgins

"Prosthechea cochleata", formerly known as "Encyclia cochleata", "Anacheilium cochleatum", and "Epidendrum cochleatum" and commonly referred to as the Cockleshell Orchid or Clamshell Orchid, is an epiphytic, sympodial New World orchid native to Central America, the West Indies, Colombia, Venezuela, and southern Florida. [ [http://www.usbg.gov/plant-collections/conservation/Encyclia-cochleata.cfm Encyclia cochleata ] ] Each oblong discoid pseudobulb bears one or two linear nonsucculent leaves. The flowers are unusual in that though the labellum is usually below the column in the orchids, in the members of "Prosthechea" the labellum forms a "hood" over the column. This makes the flower effectively upside down, or resupinate. Whereas the species usually has one anther, "Prosthechea cochleata var. triandra" is an endangered variety that has three anthers and is autogamous, allowing its existence in Florida where no appropriate pollinators appear to be present. [ [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242102289 Prosthechea cochleata var. triandra in Flora of North America @ efloras.org ] ]

"P. cochleata" is common in cultivation, and is valued for its uniquely shaped and long-lasting flowers on continually growing racemes. Several hybrids have been produced with this species, including the popular "Prosyclia" Green Hornet. [ [http://www.krischanphoto.com/gardens/orchid/epidendrum/epidendrum.htm Growing Epidendrum Orchids in Big Bend, Wisconsin ] ] (still often listed as "Encyclia" Green Hornet)

"Prosthechea cochleata" is the national flower of Belize, where it is known as the Black Orchid.cite web |url=http://www.governmentofbelize.gov.bz/ab_symbols.html |title=National Symbols|publisher=Government of Belize |accessdate=2008-04-06|work=]

References