Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Fawcett's Dendrophylax

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman)

Habitat: Hammock-like vegetation on trees and rocks; 3-16ft (1-5 m)

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): June to August

Foliage characteristics: Leafless

Bloom characteristics: Erect inflorescence is 2.75" (7 cm) long with a single yellow-green flower with a white lip.

Fragrance: Fragrant diurnally (in the morning and evening)

Pollination syndrome: Moth (Dendrophylax fawcettii)

Description: This small orchid can take leaps and bounds. D. fawcettii has a tendency to put out keikis on inflorescent-like stems which can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm). Despite this, in its small native habitat this orchid is critically threatened by destruction of its native habitat.