Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Blood Red Broughtonia

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Distribution: Jamaica

Habitat: Wet tropics; 0-2625ft (0-800m)

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): Year round; peaks in May to July

Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is 8-24" (20-60 cm) long with 8-15 flowers that open several at a time, vary in color (typically shades of pink, but occasionally white or yellow), and are veined. Flowers are 1-2" (2-4 cm) across.

Description: This small sized orchid is used in breeding for its flower’s shape, color range, and petal texture. It is the type species for its genus.