Brssia Type ... mebee?

[voyager]

Several months ago, I noticed a new orchid growing right at eye level on one of our driveway palms.
I have a multitude of Dendrobium Samurai hybrid seedlings started all over the yard from those I have mounted.
I assumed it was one of them, 'casuse it looked kinda like one.

Then a few days ago, I noticed it again.
Something wasn't right with it.
It had a bud on it that looked like it might be a Brassia type.
The plant itself did look like a Dendrobium type, though.
But, the bud didn't look like any Dendrobium I'd ever seen.
The leaves were close to the same size, but thicker, heavier and shiner than any of the D. Samurai's.

I just remembered it again today, so went out to get a pic of its bud.
Lo and behold the bud had opened.
Again, it doesn't look like any Dendrobium I've ever seen.
It does look like it might be a Brassia, but again, doesn't look like ANY orchid I've ever seen.
It must be a feral seeded from someone else's property.
So, Whata' H---is it?

[Roberta]

An Epidendrum - I think Epidendrum nocturnum. Night-fragrant. Nice!

[voyager]

I think you got it.
Makes me feel like someone that's never seen a Ford before.
Supposedly, they're quite common thru out the Americas from the Carolinas to Argentna.

But, I see it as a big plus, gives me another species plant.
It should be able to reproduce itself and gain in numbers too.
I have another Epidendrum around here.
The previous owners had some in, with orange and yellow flowers. I've seen them around recently, growing on Ohia trees.

The flower is quite new, has probably just opened recently.
The side lobes of the lip are still unrolling and opening up.
It's dark out, so I just came back in from trying to smell its fragrance.
No fragrance yet, maybe in a couple of days.
I'll keep checking.

[Roberta]

I have seen them in Ecuador, and along the Rio Negro of Brazil. And in my back yard... so they grow under a huge range of conditions. A really lovely species.

[DirtyCoconuts]

epi nocturnum is my bet too

native grower in my area and it selfs (often before the flowers open) so watch for pods and spread them around too!!

[voyager]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I have seen them in Ecuador, and along the Rio Negro of Brazil. And in my back yard... so they grow under a huge range of conditions. A really lovely species.

I think we can add Big Island, Hawaii to their range.

[voyager]

Been so busy I forgot to add this to my comments here.

Yesterday morning while walking the yard to inspect it, I saw a new seed pod on the tip of this plant with a dried up flower on its end.
I believe Epi. nocturnum can now add Big Island, Hawaii to its range.

[DirtyCoconuts]

it loves to self pollinate and often does so before the flower even develops...super efficient!