Family: Orchidaceae
Author: (Jacq.) R.Br.
Bibliography: W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 5: 211 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pleurothallis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Green Bonnet Orchid, scientifically known as Pleurothallis ruscifolia, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. This striking plant was documented as early as 1813 by W.T. Aiton in his work “Hortus Kew.” The plant was named by its author, R. Brown, reflecting its rich botanical legacy.
This enchanting orchid thrives across a diverse geographic range, spanning from Mexico to Tropical America. Its ability to adapt to various tropical environments showcases the plant’s resilience and versatility.
The Green Bonnet Orchid is notable for its compact and lush growth habits. It typically exhibits small, robust leaves that are shaped somewhat like ruscus leaves, adding to its unique aesthetic appeal. As a member of the Pleurothallis genus, it shares common traits with its relatives but stands out due to its specific leaf formation and growth patterns.
Culturally and botanically significant, the Green Bonnet Orchid plays a role in both natural ecosystems and horticultural collections. Its presence in tropical forests contributes to the biodiversity and ecological health of these regions. For orchid enthusiasts and botanists, it represents both a challenge and a delight due to its specific growth requirements and delicate beauty.
This orchid species, when cared for under suitable conditions, rewards its caretakers with striking blooms and a testament to the intricate beauty of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: green bonnet orchid
En: Green bonnet orchid
Synonyms
- Epidendrum ruscifolium (Jacq.)
- Pleurothallis glomerata (Ames)
- Humboltia ruscifolia ((Jacq.) Kuntze)
- Humboltia succosa (Pav. ex Lindl.)
- Pleurothallis multicaulis (Poepp. & Endl.)
- Pleurothallis ruscifolia var. caquetana (Schltr.)
- Pleurothallis laurifolia (Kunth)
- Pleurothallis succosa (Lindl.)
- Humboltia laurifolia ((Kunth) Kuntze)
- Dendrobium ruscifolium ((Jacq.) Sw.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Feb 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 1, 1985 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 23, 1985 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2021 by Luz Rodríguez De Rovira (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2786394)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1062794-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pleurothallis ruscifolia (Jacq.) R.Br.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
