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palmpolly

Scientific Name: Dendrophylax lindenii

Family: Orchidaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Dendrophylax lindenii: The Ghost Orchid

Dendrophylax lindenii, commonly known as the Ghost Orchid, is a fascinating and somewhat elusive plant.

Common Names

  • Ghost Orchid
  • Palm Polly (or Palmpolly)
  • White Frog Orchid
  • White Butterfly Orchid
  • Linden's Angurek

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dendrophylax lindenii (Lindl.) Benth. ex Rolfe
  • Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Aeranthes lindenii
    • Angraecum lindenii
    • Polyradicion lindenii (Lindl.) Garay
    • Polyradicion lindenii - (Lindl.) Cogn. ex Urban
    • Polyrrhiza lindenii (Lindl.) Cogn.
    • Polyrrhiza lindenii (Lindl.) Benth. ex Rolfe
    • Polyrrhiza lindenii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Dendrophylax lindenii is a perennial epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants (usually trees) for support but does not derive nutrients from them.
  • It is classified as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Ecological Role

  • The roots of the Ghost Orchid blend well with the tree on which it grows, often giving the appearance that the flower is floating.

Further Information

  • USF Herbarium (for specimen details)
  • Discover Life (for information about biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution)
  • Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)