Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: The Yellow Oncidium

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: Colombia to Trinidad

Habitat: Rainforests; 400-2050m

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): July to November

Bloom characteristics: Erect inflorescence is 28-39" (71-99 cm) long with many yellow flowers - 10 flowers per a branch. Flowers are .8" (2 cm) across.

Description: This miniature to small sized orchid takes its name from the very clear yellow color of its flowers which have few spots. It was one of the orchids collected in the early 1800s by Europeans which died shortly after its arrival, because they thought all orchids needed to be grown in hot and humid environments. It took several decades to correct this impression.