Mountain star orchid (Epidendrum ramosum, Enum. Syst. Pl.: 29 (1760))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 29 (1760)

Year: 1760

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epidendrum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Mountain Star Orchid, scientifically known as Epidendrum ramosum, is a captivating species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. Described and classified by the renowned botanist Jacquin in 1760, its official recording in botanical literature appears in “Enumeratio Systematica Plantarum” on page 29.

Native to regions extending from Mexico to Tropical America, the Mountain Star Orchid thrives in diverse habitats within these geographic boundaries. This range demonstrates the plant’s remarkable adaptability to various climatic conditions found in these tropical and subtropical areas.

The Mountain Star Orchid is renowned for its striking appearance and unique floral characteristics. It typically features a branching growth habit, which is suggested in its scientific name “ramosum,” derived from the Latin word for “branched.” This growth pattern allows the orchid to spread out, creating a complex and often intricate display of blooms.

Flowers of the Mountain Star Orchid are noted for their aesthetic appeal, often showcasing a star-like formation, which is presumably the inspiration behind its common name. The blooms are adept at drawing the attention of pollinators, which is crucial for the orchid’s reproductive cycle. The exact coloring and size can vary, as it’s influenced by the specific environmental factors in which each individual plant resides.

Orchids in general, including the Epidendrum ramosum, play a significant role in their ecosystems. They often participate in specialized relationships with pollinators and mycorrhizal fungi, which aid in nutrient absorption and plant health. The conservation of such species is thus integral to maintaining the ecological balance within their natural habitats.

In horticulture, the Mountain Star Orchid is often prized by enthusiasts and collectors. Its intriguing structure and resilience make it a subject of interest for botanical gardens, greenhouses, and private collections. Understanding its growth needs, such as light, humidity, and temperature, is key to successfully cultivating and propagating this orchid outside its native environments.

The Mountain Star Orchid embodies both beauty and botanical interest, encapsulating the diversity and charm that orchids offer to the plant kingdom. Through continued study and conservation, Epidendrum ramosum can remain a flourishing species, delighting observers and contributing to the rich tapestry of tropical flora.

Common Names

Spa: epidendrum ramoso
Eng: mountain star orchid
En: Mountain star orchid
Es: Epidendrum ramoso

Synonyms

• Epidendrum imbricatum var. angustifolium (Cogn.)
• Epidendrum ramosum var. angustifolium ((Cogn.) L.O.Williams)
• Epidendrum modestiflorum (Schltr.)
• Spathiger ramosus ((Jacq.) Britton)
• Epidendrum sellowii (Rchb.f.)
• Epidendrum rigidum (G.Lodd.)
• Epidendrum ramosum var. lineare (Stehlé)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Dec 2, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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/5320408)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:92077-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epidendrum ramosum Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth