About Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small
Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small, commonly called the butterfly orchid, gets its common name from the appearance of its flowers when they move in a breeze. This orchid has dark green pseudobulbs that measure 7 cm long, with narrow foliage that can grow up to 16 cm in length and 2 cm in width. In summer, mature plants produce a branched inflorescence that holds several fragrant, alternate flowers. Each flower is 2.5 cm in diameter, with green to bronze sepals and petals surrounding a white lip that has a purple dot. There are known variations in flower color and markings, including the Cuban variety Encyclia tampensis var. amesiana, and the white-flowered 'alba' variety. The diploid chromosome number of this species is 2n = 40, while the haploid chromosome number is n = 20. Encyclia tampensis is native to Florida, the Bahamas, and has an additional native variety in Cuba. It is an epiphyte that most commonly grows on southern live oaks, but can also be found growing on pond apples, mangroves, Bald Cypress, pines, and palms. It grows in tropical hardwood hammocks and along rivers. Vouchered specimens cataloged by USF have been recorded as far north in Florida as Levy and Putnam Counties, and the species also occurs in the salty environment of the Florida Keys.
