Cleistogamous Epidendrum nocturnum

[josterha]

Hi,

I was very excited to see my Epidendrum nocturnum var. mini-nocturnum starting to bud. The bud got bigger and fatter and then just turned brown. I thought the plant was dehydrated and the bud had basically aborted. Today I realized that it actually self-pollinated without opening (cleistogamy). So now I have this seed pod growing. What should I do with it? Is it worth saving? Just because this bloom was cleistogamous, does that mean every bloom will be? I suppose I could have it flasked. I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,

John

[Dima]

Yes, Epidendrum nocturnum blooms can be cleistogamous. See e.g. Stort and Pavanelli, Ann. Bot. 55, 331 (1985): "Under greenhouse conditions, Epidendrum nocturnum Jacq. plants produce fruits by both self-fertilization and
cleistogamy. Although adapted to these reproductive processes the species respond also to cross-pollination."
I seriously hope not all of the blooms on your plant will be that way though .

[glengary54]

Josterha - Not necessarily, look at Enc tampensis as an example, it does self polinate but not all flowers.

Just one other thing the plant that you list as Epi nocturn var mini-nocturnum is actually a separate species from nocturnum, it is correctly Epi mininocturnum or so the experts say.

[josterha]

Glen,

Thanks. I was typing on the fly and wasn't sure of the correct nomenclature.

[Bud]

thats a strange plant...to make babies when not even bothering to show us its bloom? oh well you must have been asleep when it opened cause its nocturnal?

[SOS]

Originally Posted by Bud

thats a strange plant...to make babies when not even bothering to show us its bloom? oh well you must have been asleep when it opened cause its nocturnal?

Some organisms just like to play with themselves. All of my Aerangis punctata did it this year were seasons past they did not. Next year?