SafePlants

Brassavola: The Lady of the Night Orchid

Brassavola is a genus of orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae. These orchids are known for their often-intoxicating fragrance, released primarily at night, to attract moth pollinators. This nocturnal fragrance has earned some species, like Brassavola nodosa, the common name "Lady of the Night."

Considerations for Pets

• Some species have solitary fleshy leaves.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Brassavola R. Br.
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • Epidendrum nodosum L. (for Brassavola nodosa)
  • Bletia cordata (Lindl.) Rchb. F. (for Brassavola cordata)

Common Names

• Lady of the Night Orchid
• Queen of the Night (specifically for Brassavola nodosa)
• Knobby Brassavola
• Rat tail orchid (specifically for Brassavola aculis)

Nomenclature

• The genus Brassavola was named in 1813 by Scottish botanist Robert Brown.
• The name honors Dr. Antonio Musa Brassavola, a Venetian nobleman and botanist.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brassavola orchids are native to tropical America.
• Brassavola nodosa, specifically, is native to Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
• They are often epiphytic (growing on trees) or lithophytic (growing on rocks).

Morphological Characteristics

• Brassavola orchids often have a large, pure-white lip surrounded by narrow sepals and petals.
• Flowers are often fragrant, smelling of citrus.
• Brassavola aculis is known as the Rat tail orchid in Panama.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Their citrus-like fragrance attracts moth pollinators at night.

Quirky Facts

• Brassavola cucullata is known to be an unusual orchid, often prompting the question "That's an orchid?" from visitors.
• Some believe a two-week period of dryness helps to promote blooming.

Further Resources

• Jones, H.G. (1975) Nomenclatural revision of the genus Brassavola R.Br. of the Orchidaceae.