Coryanthes macrantha - The Bucket Orchid, Monkey Throat Orchid

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Common name: The Bucket Orchid, Monkey Throat Orchid

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: Trinidad to S Tropical America

Habitat: Wet, lowland rainforest on ant nests; 560m

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): May

Bloom characteristics: Pendent inflorescence is 28" long with 2 waxy, red and white flowers that last about 4 days. Flowers are 5" long.

Fragrance: Mint

Pollination syndrome: Bee (euglossine)

Description: The alien-like flowers of this large orchid last for a short time, but are very fragrant and can bloom more than once a year.

Comments: Coryanthes macrantha

Links: Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families

1: Greenhouse 12: Warm Growing Orchid House (GH12) • Accession: 2016-0178*A • Provenance: From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
2: Greenhouse 12: Warm Growing Orchid House (GH12) • Accession: 2016-0181*A • Provenance: From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
3: Greenhouse 12: Warm Growing Orchid House (GH12) • Accession: 2016-0185*A • Provenance: From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
4: Greenhouse 12: Warm Growing Orchid House (GH12) • Accession: 2016-0187*A • Provenance: From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin

Smithsonian Gardens