Nidema ottonis (Rchb.f.) Britton & Millsp.

  • Family

    Orchidaceae (Magnoliophyta)

  • Scientific Name

    Nidema ottonis (Rchb.f.) Britton & Millsp.

  • Primary Citation

    Bahama Fl. (Britton & Millspaugh) 94. 1920

  • Basionym

    Epidendrum ottonis Rchb.f.

  • Description

    Author: Catherine V. Bainbridge

    Description: Epiphytic herb, to ca. 25 cm tall, with a creeping rhizome. Pseudobulbs ca. 4 cm long, short stipulate, fusiform, with a single terminal leaf, leaf blade coriaceous, linear-ligulate, 5-15 x 0.5-1 cm, the apex obtuse or acute. Inflorescence a terminal raceme, of few white to ivory colored flowers that flower simultaneously; dorsal sepal elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate, 7-9 x 2.5-3 mm, lightly arcuate, the apex acute and often pale green; lateral sepals spreading, similar to dorsal sepal but with apex acuminate; lateral petals subequal to lateral sepals; lip +/- oblong, articulate with column foot, with a distinct central channel, and lightly reflexed toward apex, the apex acute; column arching, ca. 4 mm long; pollinia 4, unequal; ovary smooth.

    Common names: Not recorded.

    Distribution: From Nicaragua to Brazil and the Antilles from 0 to 200 m.

    Ecology: In wet forests.

    Phenology: Flowers observed in Aug and Sep.

    Pollination: Not recorded.

    Dispersal: Wind dispersed.

    Taxonomic notes: This species often forms large compact clumps on the trunks and lowers branches of host trees. In the case of the Osa Peninsula, N. ottonis appears to be limited to near coastal areas.

    Conservation: CITES II.

    Uses: Not recorded.

    Etymology: Not recorded.

  • Floras and Monographs

    Nidema ottonis (Rchb.f.) Britton & Millsp.: [Book] Britton, Nathaniel L. & Millspaugh, Charles F. 1920. The Bahama Flora.

    Nidema ottonis (Rchb.f.) Britton & Millsp.: [Article] Ackerman, James D. 1995. An orchid flora of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 73: 1-203.