SafePlants

Considerations for Pets and Children

This orchid is often grown as a houseplant. It's important to remember that certain orchids may have delicate structures or small parts that could pose a choking hazard if ingested. The sap of some orchids may also cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Keep plants out of reach of small children and pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Dendrophylax
• Species: Dendrophylax lindenii
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Synonyms:
  • Aeranthes lindenii (Lindl.) Rchb. f. 1864
  • Aeranthus lindenii Lindley
  • Angraecum lindenii Lindley 1846
  • Polyradicion lindenii
  • Polyrrhiza lindenii

Common Names

• Ghost Orchid
• Fawcett's Dendrophylax
• Frog Orchid
• Palm-polly
• Linden's Angurek
• White Butterfly

Distribution and Habitat

Dendrophylax lindenii is native to the neotropics, specifically:

• Florida (USA)
• Cuba
• The Bahamas
• Mexico
• Central America
• West Indies
• Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) where Dendrophylax fawcettii (Cayman Islands Ghost Orchid) is endemic.

It thrives as an epiphyte in humid to dry habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leafless: This orchid is famous for lacking leaves and photosynthesizes primarily through its roots.
• Roots: The plant's roots play a vital role in both anchoring the plant and absorbing nutrients and water. They also enable photosynthesis.
• Epiphyte: It grows on other plants (typically trees) for support but does not parasitize them.

Quirky Facts

• The Ghost Orchid's ability to photosynthesize with its roots allows it to thrive even in bright light conditions.
• The name Dendrophylax comes from the Greek words "dendro" (tree) and "phylax" (epiphyte or guardian).

Related Species

• Dendrophylax funalis: A close relative of Dendrophylax lindenii from Jamaica, which tends to grow in drier habitats.
• Dendrophylax porrectus: Known as the Jingle Bell Orchid, which flowers in late summer and autumn.