Species I.D.

[Junebug]

A friend of mine found these fern and orchid encrusted pieces of oak lying beneath a tree in the woods in Palm Bay, Florida He didn't know what they were and gave them to me. I have no information regarding their blooms. They sort of look like an Encyclia. Do you think I'm on the right track?

[dgenovese1]

Hi Junebug,

I think you are definitely on the right track, although it's hard to be absolutely positive without blooms to look at. In any regards, if I had to guess, I'd say it's a good chance it is Encyclia tampense. These grow wild over much of southern and central Florida. Here's a link with information about Florida's natives:

Florida's Native and Naturalized Orchids

[renatesch]

Originally Posted by Junebug

A friend of mine found these fern and orchid encrusted pieces of oak lying beneath a tree in the woods in Palm Bay, Florida He didn't know what they were and gave them to me. I have no information regarding their blooms. They sort of look like an Encyclia. Do you think I'm on the right track?

This is probably Encyclia tampensis, a native to Florida and the Bahamas. It flowers in late Winter or early spring with sometimes branched spikes bearing 1 1/2" flowers which are yellow brown, lip has a red disk. Hang plant in bright spot, but no direct sun. It is best to leave it on the original piece of wood, if it is only on deteriorated bark tie the whole plant with fishing line onto a piece of sturdy wood or cork.

[Tom_in_PA]

I want to second the idea they are Encyclia tampense

[Junebug]

Thanks for the info. You guys are probably right. The photos of this species growing in the wild look very much the same as mine...including the native ferns.