Orchid  (Bifrenaria harrisoniae)

This species has not yet been assessed by the IUCN.

Like most epiphytic orchids, Bifrenaria harrisoniae has a swollen storage organ known as a ‘pseudobulb’ at its base (2) (3). The prominent pseudobulb is conical to egg-shaped and ranges in colour from yellow to green (2). Arising from the apex of each pseudobulb is a single dark-green, pleated leaf, and a one to three flowered inflorescence (2) (4). The waxy petals and sepals of the sweetly fragrant flowers are generally creamy-white to pale yellow (4) (5), while the hairy lip is reddish pink with a deep yellow centre (2) (4) (5).

Endemic to Brazil, Bifrenaria harrisoniae occurs in the states of Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and São Paulo (2).

Found at elevations from 750 to 1,800 metres in wet montane forests, riparian forests and ‘campos rupestres’, a shrubby grassland habitat of eastern Brazil (2).

Bifrenaria harrisoniae tends to grow as an epiphyte in closed forests, but in open areas is often found growing on rocks (2) (4). Its showy flowers can be seen from July to December and are visited by euglossine bees and bumblebees, which almost certainly act as pollinators (2) (6).

Bifrenaria harrisoniae is commonly cultivated (4) and there are no known significant threats to wild populations.

There are currently no known conservation measures in place for Bifrenaria harrisoniae.

For further information on the conservation of orchids see:

• Orchid Conservation International:
  www.orchidconservation.org