Heterotaxis sessilis (Sw.) F.Barros
False Butterfly Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Dicrypta baueri, Epidendrum sessile, Maxillaria crassifolia
Heterotaxis sessilis, the False Butterfly Orchid or Hidden Orchid, is widely distributed throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and occurs in the Fakahatchee Swamp in south Florida. The growth habitat is pendulous, with the orchid hanging downward from fibrous roots attached to trunks and large branches of trees. Plants can reach a length of 30 cm. Leaves are thick and leathery, forming a fan-shaped array above the small, flattened pseudobulbs. The single, yellow flower emerges from the folded base of the leaves in autumn and flowering may continue through January. This orchid often grows on hammocks, rocks, and tree trunks in cypress swamps.
Heterotaxis sessilis is endangered in Florida although it is apparently secure across its broad range.
Pollination
This orchid is autogamous but the yellow and red flowers produce trichomes that are collected by the meliponine bees which may also pollinate the flowers.
Ecosystem Type
Swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- epiphyte
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- six
- seven or more
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is lobed
- Main color of labellum:
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence has one flower or a pair of flowers
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- 12–15 mm
- Sepal length:
- Up to 15 mm
- Plant height:
- Up to 30 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 |