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Old 04-07-2004, 09:03 AM
prem_s
 
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Default Epidendrum magnoliae (syn. Epi. conopseum)

This diminutive epiphyte is the most far-ranging epiphytic orchid in the
United States, growing along the Gulf coast into western Louisiana,
skipping Texas and then re-emerging in eastern Mexico. To the east, it
ranges up the Atlantic coast into North Carolina. In Florida, it ranges
down about three-quarters of the way into the peninsula, but is
generally not seen south of Lake Okeechobee. It usually grows in close
association with resurrection fern (Polypodium polypodioides) on various
species of trees, including live oak (Quercus virginiana), eastern red
cedar (Juniperus virginiana), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), and
southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora).

Apparently, the first botanical description of this orchid was in
association with the last of the trees mentioned above. The priority of
that description was somehow lost and the name Epidendrum conopseum,
published two weeks later, became the recognized name for this species.
It was only within the last few years that this mistake has been remedied.

The species is divided into two subspecies, ssp. magnoliae tends to be
more northerly, has much smaller canes (reaching lengths of 3-4 inches
with 3-4 leaves at most) and smaller flower counts (between 3 and 12
flowers per spike). The southern variant, ssp. mexicanum, occurs in
Mexico and in central-southern Florida. It has canes that can be 10
inches or more tall with 8 or 9 leaves and flower counts that can range
up into the 30's.

The small, green flowers range from 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, are
usually green on the lip and petals and range from greenish to reddish
brown on the sepals depending on light levels. The opening beneath the
column is usually ringed with purple. The flowers become intensely
fragrant at night. Flower spikes usually emerge from the leaf axils
during the late spring to early summer, but a separate growth that is
just a spike can emerge in late summer through early winter.

These plants are reasonably easy to cultivate, but must be kept in
balance between two competing elements...their roots like to stay
somewhat moist, perhaps a little drier than one would keep a
Phalaenopsis, but the plant itself can succumb to rots easily. I tend
to fertilize very lightly and have found that fertilizing at the same
strength as regular orchids tends to burn root tips. Roots seem to
respond well to hormone treatments, such as superthrive and rootone,
branching much more frequently than in the wild. Light levels should be
kept to that of a Cattleya...a bit of a reddish suffusion on the leaves
is a good indicator of adequate light. These orchids are quite cold
tolerant, able to withstand winter temperatures down into the upper
teens and lower 20's Fahrenheit, although plants grown in greenhouses
tend to do just as well at more even temperatures.

Pictured below is an Epidendrum magnoliae ssp. magnoliae collected from
a fallen branch in a friend's yard in Wakulla County, Florida.

http://www.premdesign.com/orchidpics..._magnoliae.jpg

Enjoy!

---Prem

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