Macradenia lutescens R.Br.
Long Gland Orchid, Trinidad Macradenia
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Macradenia triandra, Rhynchadenia cubensis
Macradenia lutescens, commonly known as the Trinidad Macradenia, is distributed in the West Indies, northern South America, and has been recorded in the Miami-Dade County area in Florida. This orchid has a narrow cylindrical pseudobulb and a solitary coriaceous leaf. The raceme is pendent from the base of the pseudobulb with up to 22 small flowers. The base of the sepals and petals is a yellow green variously marked with purple, brown, and red. The whitish labellum is lobed with pink stripes. The flowering period is October-November. This orchid grows lower on the trunks and branches of a variety of trees.
Macradenia lutescens is apparently secure and widespread in the West Indies, Cuba and South America but is considered endangered in Florida where it is presumed to be extirpated.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- epiphyte
- Leaf arrangement:
- stem
- Number of leaves on stem:
- one
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is lobed
- Main color of labellum:
-
- crimson
- green to brown
- yellow
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- Up to 12 mm
- Sepal length:
- 12–14 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 |