Epidendrum amphistomum

[Mahon]

Here's a rare Florida native, Epidendrum amphistomum, also known as the 'Dingy Flowered Star Orchid'... this one likes to grow on the trunks of trees in swamps, and occasionally vertically on a branch. The flower coloration varies with this species here in Florida, from this orange and brown, to all green. Paul Martin Brown has more recently described the purple-leaved form of this species. Luer and myself disagree with Brown's treatment, as the purple coloration of the leaves occurs when the plant is in full sun. It is the equivalent of a tan, and should not be regarded as any type of variation or form. Anyways, here's my nice Epidendrum amphistomum



-Pat