Brassavola nodosa
Object Details
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- Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
- Accession Number
- 2008-3556A
- Description
- This Brassavola is a good choice for beginning orchid growers who have had success growing other epiphytes. Although not ideal, they can handle a bit of underwatering or neglect. If cared for well however, lady of the night orchids can bloom multiple times a year with white flowers that smell of citrus at night.
- In the wild, these orchids have been known to grow on mangrove roots, and can handle a bit of salt from splashing waves. B. nodosa’s leaves are also interesting, in that their long leaves which can appear tubular or flattened are specifically adapted to prevent water loss.
- Pollination Syndrome
- Moth (Sphingidae)
- Provenance
- From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
- Topic
- Orchids
- Living Collections
- Range
- Mexico to Tropical America
- Habitat
- Seasonally dry forests near coast; 0-1640ft (0-500m)
- Life Form
- Epiphytic
- Bloom Characteristics
- Erect to arching inflorescence is 6-10" (15-25 cm) long with up to 6 green flowers with a white lip. Flowers are 3.5" (9 cm) across and last 2-4 weeks.
- Foliage Characteristics
- Thick leaves are almost cylindrical.
- Fragrance
- Citrus at night
- Plant Size
- 5-9" x 1-1.5" (13-23 x 2.5-3.8 cm), excluding inflorescence
- Data Source
- Smithsonian Gardens
- Common Name
- Lady of the Night
- Reina de la Noche
- The Knobby Brassavola
- Group
- [vascular plants]
- Class
- Equisetopsida
- Subclass
- Magnoliidae
- Superorder
- Lilianae
- Order
- Asparagales
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Subfamily
- Epidendroideae
- Genus
- Brassavola
- Species
- nodosa
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Record ID
- ofeo-sg_2008-3556A