Epidendrum radicans
| Epidendrum radicans | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Epidendrum |
| Subgenus: | Epidendrum subg. Amphiglottium |
| Section: | Epidendrum sect. Schistochila |
| Subsection: | Epidendrum subsect. Carinata |
| Species: | E. radicans |
| Binomial name | |
| Epidendrum radicans | |
Epidendrum radicans is a species of orchid native to Central America and northern South America. Common names include ground-rooting epidendrum, fire-star orchid, crucifix orchid, rainbow orchid, and reed-stem epidendrum.
The diagnostic characteristic of E. radicans is its tendency to sprout roots all along the length of the stem; other crucifix orchids only produce roots near the base. It is a frequent roadside weed at middle elevations in Central America. Its common name 'crucifix orchid' refers to the tiny cross-shaped labellum in the centre of the flower.