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terrestrial cowhorn orchid
Scientific Name: Cyrtopodium polyphyllum
Family: Orchidaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cyrtopodium polyphyllum: Terrestrial Cowhorn Orchid
Cyrtopodium polyphyllum, commonly known as the Terrestrial Cowhorn Orchid, is a fascinating orchid species with a unique growth habit.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cyrtopodium polyphyllum (Vell.) Pabst ex Barrios
- Common Name: Terrestrial Cowhorn Orchid
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Order: Orchidales
Synonyms
- Cyrtopodium flavum (Note: The text suggests that *Cyrtopodium flavum* is sometimes also referred to as Terrestrial Cowhorn Orchid, but it may represent a separate species)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Brazil.
- Has become naturalized in Florida, specifically in Miami-Dade County, although this may refer to Cyrtopodium flavum.
- Can be found growing in locations like the Fakahatchee Strand.
- Grows as a terrestrial plant, meaning it grows from the ground.
- Can also grow as an epiphyte or lithophyte in certain conditions and locations.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Grows as a forb/herb with a perennial life cycle.
- Can be found as a terrestrial, epiphytic, or lithophytic plant.
- Characterized by large fusiform pseudobulbs (in the case of Cyrtopodium punctatum, a related species), which resemble cigars or ears of unshucked corn.
- Has white aerial roots.
Ecological Role
- In Florida, the invasive cowhorn orchid (likely referring to *Cyrtopodium punctatum* or another species) has a specific pollinator.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Mention of ants' interaction with *Myrmecophila* species in association with Cow Horn Orchids, which is something to look further into in research.
Quirky Facts
- The pseudobulbs of Cyrtopodium punctatum are said to resemble ears of unshucked corn.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyrtopodium polyphyllum.
- Garden Guides provides information on growing the Terrestrial Cowhorn Orchid.
- Florida Native Orchid Gallery (Author: Prem Subrahmanyam)
- United States Department of Agriculture