Taxon

Stanhopea tigrina

 
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Stanhopea tigrina - Spotted Bull, The Tiger-like Stanhopea, Torito
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Common name: Spotted Bull, The Tiger-like Stanhopea, Torito
Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)
Distribution: Mexico
Habitat: damp, thick forests; 1970-5580ft (600-1700m)
Life form: Epiphytic
Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): May to October; peaks in July
Medicinal/pharmaceutical: This plant was used medicinally by the Aztecs and to treat sunstroke and weakness by Mexican Indians.
Ethnobotanical uses: In some parts of Mexico, the flowers of this orchid were used in the preparation of tortillas.
Bloom characteristics: Pendant inflorescence is 6" (15.3 cm) long with 3-10 white and red mottled flowers. Flowers are 8" (20 cm) across.
Fragrance: Chocolate, vanilla
Plant size: 10-18" x 4-5" (25-46 x 10-13 cm), excluding inflorescence
Pollination syndrome: Bee (euglossine), collects oil
Description: This medium sized orchid causes its bee pollinator to fall through its flower, collecting pollinia as it goes. The bee repeats this move at the next flower it visits, causing it to be pollinated.
Links: Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families

Locations

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