Dendrophylax funalis

Dendrophylax funalis
Dendrophylax funalis, likely drawn by Walter Hood Fitch
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Dendrophylax
Species:
D. funalis
Binomial name
Dendrophylax funalis
Synonyms[2]
  • Aeranthes funalis (Sw.) Rchb.f.
  • Angorkis funalis (Sw.) Kuntze
  • Angraecum funale (Sw.) Lindl.
  • Epidendrum funale Sw.
  • Limodorum funale (Sw.) Sw.
  • Oeceoclades funalis (Sw.) Lindl.
  • Polyrrhiza funalis (Sw.) Pfitzer
  • Trichocentrum funale (Sw.) Lindl.

Dendrophylax funalis, also known as the corded ghost orchid, is a species of orchid endemic to the island of Jamaica.[2][3] It is a leafless epiphyte or lithophyte which flowers between September and April. It is native to Hanover, Manchester, St. Ann, St. Elizabeth, St. James, St. Mary, St. Thomas, Trelawny, and Westmoreland parishes, where it grows on trees or on limestone rocks in dry or moist limestone forest and woodland from 250 to 550 meters elevation.[1]

Along with other species of genus Dendrophylax, D. funalis is threatened.[3] The IUCN Red List assesses the species as Near Threatened.[1]

Description

This flower is very similar to a flower of the same genus, Dendrophylax lindenii, which shares the same common name. The two flowers have the same scent of jasmine and fresh apples;[3] however, D. funalis has small lime green petals while D. lindenii has two twisted white petals that look similar to the hind legs of a jumping frog. D. funalis is easier to cultivate than D. lindenii.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Svahnström, V.; Campbell, K.C.St.E. (2025). "Dendrophylax funalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2025 e.T256826691A257325521. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-2.RLTS.T256826691A257325521.en.
  2. 1 2 "Dendrophylax funalis (Sw.) Benth. ex Rolfe | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Two Endangered Orchids of Southwest Florida".
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