Epidendrum radicans
| Epidendrum radicans | |
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| Section: | Schistochila
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| Species: | E. radicans
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| Epidendrum radicans | |
This ground-rooting orchid is a common roadside weed at middle elevations in Central America. A crucifix orchid, it is often confused with E. calanthe, E. cinnabarinum, E. denticulatum, E. erectum, E. fulgens, E. ibaguense, E. imatophyllum, E. incisum, E. schomburgkii, E. secundum, and E. xanthinum, among others. Perhaps the most diagnostic characteristic of E. radicans is its tendency to sprout roots all along the length of the stem; most other crucifix orchids only produce roots near the base. Additionally, E. radicans flowers are resupinate, unlike the members of the Epidendrum secundum complex, E. fulgens, and many other crucifix orchids. E. radicans also differs from E. secundum by bearing no nectar in the flower.
Epidendrum radicans (or perhaps E. ibaguense) seeds are quite small, at 320 (or perhaps 167) seeds per mg.[1][2]
E. radicans is part of a complex of several orange-flowered, weedy species (including Asclepias spp.) that are unrelated but ecologically similar. Species within this group share pollinators as well as habitat, and are believed to exhibit what is known as convergent evolution, where unrelated species "converge" upon similar physical characteristics as a result of similar evolutionary pressures. Paulette Bierzychudek studied pollinator behavior in the apparent complex consisting of E. radicans, Asclepias curassavicia, and Lantana camara, but could not find clear evidence that floral mimicry was affecting pollination rates for any of the three species.
References
- Pansarin, E. R., and Amaral, M. C. E.: "Reproductive biology and pollination mechanisms of Epidendrum secundum (Orchidaceae). Floral variation: a consequence of natural hybridization?" Plant Biology 10 (2008) 211-219
- Paulette Bierzychudek: "Asclepias, Lantana, and Epidendrum: A Floral Mimicry Complex?" Biotropica, 13, 2, Supplement: Reproductive Botany (Jun., 1981), pp. 54-58, published by The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation
- Dressler, R. L.: "Will the Real Epidendrum ibaguense please stand up?" American Orchid Society Bulletin, 58(1989) pages 796 - 800.
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