Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: The Black Orchid, The Fiddle-Shaped Coelogyne, The Lute-Shaped Coelogyne

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: W Malesia to Philippines

Habitat: Old trees near water or swampy lowlands; 4950-6600ft (1500-2000m)

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): Year round; peaks in May and June

Bloom characteristics: Arching to pendent inflorescence is 6-12" (15-30 cm) long with 5-15 green flowers with black markings on lip. Flowers are 3-5" (8-12 cm) across, open successively, and last about a week.

Fragrance: Honey, cinnamon

Plant size: 15-28" x 8-12" (38-71 x 20-30 cm), excluding inflorescence

Pollination syndrome: Likely bee

Description: Both of this large orchid’s common names come from its lip. It is called the Lute/Fiddle-shaped Coelogyne because of the shape of its lip, and the Black Orchid (a common name shared by many orchids) because of the very dark, contrasting markings on its lip.

Comments: Coelogyne pandurata