Technorati Tags: encyclia, encyclia orchid, encyclia orchids

Epidendrum Group (Epidendrum Subfamily)
Epiphytic. Sympodial. Pseudobulbs

Often very fragrant, encyclia orchids generally have interesting, long-lasting flowers, some of which bloom so successively that they appear virtually year-round. Seasonally dry tropical forests of the Americas (particularly of Mexico and the West Indies) are home to most of the 235 species.

Until 1974 they were classified as Epidendrum, and thay are still registered under that genus for hybridization purposes. Epidendrum tend to have no pseudobulbs, whereas encyclia do; they also have leathery leaves. The derivation of the generic name is Greek for “surround”, referring to the flower lip that encircles the column.

Technorati Tags: encyclia orchids