Encyclia is a genus of orchids consisting of around 250 species. The name is derived from enkykleomai, the Greek word for “to encircle.” This refers to the lips that encircle the column with lateral lopes. Within the horticultural trade, it is abbreviated with the letter “E.”
As the genus grows on trees, it is considered an epiphyte. However, it can grow on rocks, in which it is considered a lithophyte. The majority of encyclia orchids grow best when they are mounted on a tree fern, branches or EpiWeb plaques.
Most of these are found throughout the Caribbean Islands and in South America. Primarily, they are found in the Bahamas, Florida, Mexico and the rest of the West Indies. The ideal situation is in lowland forest at altitudes of 1000 meters above sea level. This flower is dispersed fairly evenly across this region.
Encyclia orchids are members of the Cattleya Alliance. As such, they should be grown in moderate light with high temperatures during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Centigrade at night. They must also receive adequate water and air supply in order to be sustainable.
The leaves grow pseudo bulbs that are rather thick compared to other plants. Numerous small flowers ascend from the branches. Birds and bees are responsible for the pollination of this genus. Normally there are eight pollinia, however, some subgroups only contain four.
William Jackson Hooker seperated the encyclia from the genus epindendrum in 1828. This was due to much research into the morphological conditions of the plant.
The most common of these is the encyclia tampensis, known commonly as the “Butterfly Orchid.” This is found most predominantly in Florida, but can be located in both the Bahamas and Cuba. It’s beauty has proven to be the most commercialized and hybridized on the market.
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