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Orchid (Cattleya forbesii)
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Find out here.Orchid fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
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Orchid description
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Orchidale |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cattleya (1) |
With its pale coloured flowers, Cattleya forbesii is considered to be one of the least showy species in the classically flamboyant orchid genus, Cattleya (2) (3). The colour of the sepals and the petals vary from light yellow-green to pinkish-tan, while the outside of the comparatively short, frilly-edged lip, is usually white (2). Internally the lip is pale yellow, with a central yellow stripe and pinkish veins (2) (4). The thin stems have two leathery, oblong leaves (4).
- Size
- Height: 30 - 39 cm (2)
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Related species
Orchid biology
Typically Cattleya forbesii grows as an epiphyte on trees and shrubs, but close to the sea, it also grows on rocks (2) (3). Flowering occurs over spring and summer, with a peak between April and July. The colourful veining on the inside of the lip attracts the insect pollinators, which, in accessing the nectar, transfer the pollen from the stamens of one flower to the stigma of another (2).
TopOrchid range
Cattleya forbesii is very common along the coast of southern Brazil, from the state of Rio de Janeiro to the state of Santa Catarina (2) (3).
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Species with a similar range
Orchid habitat
Found in coastal swamps and forests (3).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Orchid status
Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).
TopOrchid threats
Although domestic trade in Brazil has contributed significantly to the scarcity of several coastal forest orchid species (1), Cattleya forbesii remains extremely common in parts of its range (3). Furthermore, as Cattleya forbesii grows easily in cultivation (2) (3), wild plants are unlikely to be heavily exploited.
TopOrchid conservation
Cattleya forbesii is listed under Appendix II of CITES which makes it an offence to trade this species without a permit (1).
TopFind out more
For further information on the conservation of orchids see:
- Orchid Conservation International:
www.orchidconservation.org
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.ukTopGlossary
- Epiphyte
- A plant that uses another plant, typically a tree, for its physical support, but which does not draw nourishment from it.
- Lip
- The enlarged third petal of an orchid flower that often acts as a landing platform for pollinators.
References
- CITES (December, 2008)
http://www.cites.org - Wither, C.L. (1988) The Cattleyas and their relatives. Timber Press, Oregon.
- Miranda Orchids (January, 2009)
http://mirandaorchids.com/species33forbesiiVGA.htm - Cullen, J. (1988) The Orchid Book: A Guide to the Identification of Cultivated Orchid Species. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
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Orchid - Cattleya forbesii
© Eric Hunt
Eric Hunt
eric@erichunt.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericinsf/
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