Epidendrum boricuarum, the fleshy star orchid

[Tio Super]

It seems that there are difforme and pseudodifforme populations also occuring in PR. BTW, Eric Hagaster reffers to Epi difforme complex when discussing Epi difforme and the related species (so close are they in appearance only a trained eye can go into the minute differences that separate them)

[Ricardo in PR]

Originally Posted by Tio Super

It seems that there are difforme and pseudodifforme populations also occuring in PR. BTW, Eric Hagaster reffers to Epi difforme complex when discussing Epi difforme and the related species (so close are they in appearance only a trained eye can go into the minute differences that separate them)

I had noted that highland forms seem sublty different from lower elevation forms but I thought that this was not significant. I will try to pay more attention the next time I come across one of this plant growing in the Karst area.

[Graphicgreg]

Interesting comment about this plant being a difficult subject to cultivate, even in it's native climate. Our Tolumnia bahamensis is the same - very difficult to keep alive in cultivation and the plants are best left where they are.

What is sad is that the restricted area where they are found is under extreme pressure from development. http://www.orchidworks.com/bahamensis/

[Ricardo in PR]

Very interesting reading in those links! There are a few species in PR that just won't survive in cultivation but it is not clear whether it is due to the plant's intolerance of deviations from its natural regime, lack of cultural skills from the side of the growers or simply a peculiar feature of the plant's life history. I have become accostumed to see Ionopsis and Leochilus grow, thrive, flower abundantly and then die in their natural habitat even in what seems like the most favorable situation for growth and survival imaginable.