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Mule eared orchid
Trichocentrum undulatum
Range: Extreme South Florida and the Caribbean
This native orchid grows in dry tropical climates as an epiphyte on trees or a lithophyte on rocks. It has adapted to drought by developing thick leathery undulated leaves that store water and reduce moisture loss. It lacks the typical pseudobulbs seen in other orchids, and instead produces long-lasting leaves directly from a short rhizome. In late winter to early spring, it sends up tall, upright flower spikes bearing bright yellow blooms with rich brown or red markings and a large often spotted lip that serves as a landing pad for pollinators. Some plants may produce a light fragrance.
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