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daddy longlegs orchid

Scientific Name: Brassavola cucullata

Family: Orchidaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Brassavola cucullata: The Daddy Long-legs Orchid

Brassavola cucullata, commonly known as the Daddy long-legs orchid, is a fascinating orchid species with unique characteristics and a wide distribution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Brassavola cucullata (L.) R. Br. ex Ait. f.
  • Common Name: Daddy long-legs orchid
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Family: Orchidaceae
  • Genus: Brassavola
  • Synonym: Epidendrum cucullatum L. Other listed synonyms include Bletia cucullata, Brassavola appendiculata, Brassavola cuspidata, Brassavola odoratissima, and Cymbidium cucullatum.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Mexico, ranging from Sinaloa and San Luis Potosi south to Chiapas.
  • Also found on the ridges of the Quill volcano.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Brassavola cucullata is the type species for the genus Brassavola and the only member of B. sect. Brassavola.

Genetic Information

  • The species has a diploid chromosome number.

Additional Information

  • Smithsonian Gardens has resources about this taxon.
  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Brassavola cucullata.

Related Species and Confusion

  • The name "Daddy Long-legs Orchid" is also applied to members of the genus Caladenia (spider orchids), specifically:
    • Caladenia longicauda subsp. borealis
    • Caladenia filamentosa (synonym: Jonesiopsis filamentosa, Common Name: Red Daddy Long-Legs Spider Orchid). There are also references to varieties like Caladenia filamentosa var. filamentosa.
    • Jonesiopsis capillata (formerly Caladenia capillata), referred to as White Daddy Long-legs.
  • Other spider orchids mentioned include Caladenia valida (Robust Spider Orchid), Arachnorchis capillata (White Daddy Long Legs), and Arachnorchis cardiochila (Heart-Lip Orchid).