Epidendrum radicans (crucifix orchid)
Datasheet Type: Documented species
Abstract
This datasheet on Epidendrum radicans covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Identity
- Preferred Scientific Name
- Epidendrum radicans Pav. ex Lindl.
- Preferred Common Name
- crucifix orchid
- Other Scientific Names
- Epidendrum pratense Rchb.f.
- Epidendrum rhizophorum Bateman ex Lindl.
- International Common Names
- Englishfire star orchidground-rooting epidendrumrainbow orchidred crucifix orchidreed-stem epidendrumstar orchid
- SpanishEstrella de Fuego
Pictures
Flowerhead
Epidendrum radicans (crucifix orchid); Flowerhead. Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. November 2013.
©Susie Sun/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 4.0
Habit
Epidendrum radicans (crucifix orchid); Habit. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL USA. February 2007.
©David J. Stang/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 4.0
Flowerhead
Epidendrum radicans (crucifix orchid); Flowerhead with two seed pods. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL USA. February 2007.
©David J. Stang/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 4.0
Flowerhead
Epidendrum radicans (crucifix orchid); Flowerhead with one seed pod. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL USA. February 2007.
©David J. Stang/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 4.0
Flowerhead
Epidendrum radicans (crucifix orchid); Flowerhead. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL USA. February 2007.
©David J. Stang/via Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary of Invasiveness
Epidendrum radicans is a hardy orchid which is easy to grow. It is currently recorded as invasive in Cuba, and has been introduced to the USA, Australia and Africa. It is also naturalized in Puerto Rico. The orchid is not suitable for most collections due to its fast growth, meaning it would soon take up too large a space. Because of the way its roots grow from nodes along the stem, this species can spread quickly, behaving like a weed.
Taxonomic Tree
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Epidendrum is a large neotropical genus of the orchid family, which contains approximately 1336 to 1491 species. Epidendrum comes from the Greek word meaning “growing on trees”, referring to its epiphytic growth habit, whereas radicans means having rooting stems. E. radicans is commonly known as the crucifix orchid because of the cross-shaped labellum in the centre of the flower. Its synonyms include E. rhizophorum and E. pratense.Epidendrum is a large neotropical genus of the orchid family, which contains approximately 1336 to 1491 species. Epidendrum comes from the Greek word meaning “growing on trees”, referring to its epiphytic growth habit, whereas radicans means having rooting stems. E. radicans is commonly known as the crucifix orchid because of the cross-shaped labellum in the centre of the flower. Its synonyms include E. rhizophorum and E. pratense.
Plant Type
Broadleaved
Herbaceous
Perennial
Seed propagated
Vegetatively propagated
Vine / climber
Description
The following description is from POWO (2020):
Epidendrum radicans is a creeping plant but can be trained to grow straight or upright. It is a sympodial orchid, meaning new branches are produced from the base of the main stem, which ceases to grow. It typically has long cane-like stems, with a terminal inflorescence at the end of each stem. The straggling stems are up to 100 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. The leaves are numerous, oval-shaped and fleshy, set at regular intervals along the stem. The white, fleshy, aerial roots emerging from the leaf axils of new growth are very conspicuous and aid entanglement with supporting vegetation. Clusters of 20–30 individual flowers are held at the end of a long stalk. Flowers are small and bright orange with a yellow column and elliptical to oblanceolate sepals and petals. The lip is fused to the length of the column and the free portion is trilobed with a fringed margin.
Distribution
Epidendrum radicans is a terrestrial and epiphytic orchid found in tropical and subtropical America.
Distribution Map
Distribution Table
History of Introduction and Spread
Epidendrum radicans has been cultivated widely for its ornamental value. Native to Mexico, Central America and Colombia, it has become naturalized in Puerto Rico and has been recorded as invasive in Cuba (Oviedo-Prieto et al., 2012). It has also become naturalized in some parts of Africa, Asia and Australia (POWO, 2020), and is recorded as introduced in Florida and California, USA (Dave’s Garden, 2016; USDA-NRCS, 2020). It has benefited from human development since its preferred habitats are open, disturbed areas, which roadsides provide in abundance (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016).
Introductions
| Introduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reasons | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
| England and Wales | Guatemala | 1939 | No | No | ||||
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Seeds of E. radicans are dispersed by wind (Quizlet, 2016).
Pathway Causes
| Pathway cause | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical gardens and zoos (pathway cause) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Breeding and propagation (pathway cause) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Horticulture (pathway cause) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Internet sales (pathway cause) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Nursery trade (pathway cause) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Ornamental purposes (pathway cause) | Yes | Yes | ||
| People sharing resources (pathway cause) | Yes | Ackerman pers. comm. |
Pathway Vectors
| Pathway vector | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft (pathway vector) | Yes | |||
| Mail (pathway vector) | Yes | |||
| Wind (pathway vector) | Yes | Yes |
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Epidendrum radicans is often confused with E. calanthum, E. cinnabarinum, E. denticulatum, E. erectum, E. fulgens, E. ibaguense, E. macrocarpum, E. secundum and E. xanthinum, among others (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016). It differs from these species in its tendency to sprout roots along the entire length of the stem, unlike other crucifix orchids which only produce roots near the base (Dressler, 1989). In addition, E. radicans flowers are resupinate, unlike the members of the E. secundum complex, E. fulgens, and many other crucifix orchids (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016). The flowers of E. radicans also bear no nectar, unlike E. secundum (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016).
Habitat List
| Category | Sub category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Cultivated / agricultural land | Secondary/tolerated habitat | |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Protected agriculture (e.g. glasshouse production) | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Managed forests, plantations and orchards | Secondary/tolerated habitat | |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Managed grasslands (grazing systems) | Secondary/tolerated habitat | |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Principal habitat | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Rail / roadsides | Principal habitat | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Principal habitat | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Principal habitat | Natural |
Biology and Ecology
Associations
Epidendrum radicans often grows alongside Asclepias curassavica and Lantana camara. Superficially their flowers are similar to those of E. radicans. All three species are pollinated by the same butterflies (Endress, 1996).
Physiology and Phenology
Epidendrum radicans plants flower all year round. Individual flowers, which only last approximately 10 days, are capable of producing up to 500,000 tiny, wind-dispersed seeds (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016). Because of the way its roots grow from nodes along the stem, this species can spread quickly, behaving like a weed (Quizlet, 2016).
Habitats
Epidendrum radicans is a terrestrial and epiphytic orchid often seen on roadsides, rocky open areas, grasslands and banks in pine oak forest. It is also found in upland and disturbed areas (POWO, 2020).
Genetics
The chromosome number for E. radicans is 2n = 40, 57, 70, 60, 62, 64 (de Assis, 2013).
Reproductive Biology
Epidendrum radicans reproduces both asexually and sexually. It is easy to propagate, by dividing rhizomes and stems into offsets (Dave’s Garden, 2016). E. radicans is pollinated by butterflies (POWO, 2020). The inflorescence petals are usually red-orange, with a tri-lobed fringed yellow lip but after pollination, they turn dark red. This rewardless orchid shares pollinators and some morphological traits with two sympatric nectar-producing species, Asclepias curassavica and Lantana camara (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016).
Environmental Requirements
Epidendrum radicans thrives in full sun to partial shade (Dave’s Garden, 2016). However, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can prevent production of inflorescences. The species requires a good amount of light, water and nutrients and is not stress tolerant, despite its weedy tendencies (Encyclopedia of Life, 2016). E. radicans grows on a variety of well-drained soils but inflorescences are most likely to occur on a moist fertile soil (Looking at Plants, 2016). This species is tolerant of temperatures down to freezing level (Phillips and Hill, 1998).
Climate
| Climate type | Description | Preferred or tolerated | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A - Tropical/Megathermal climate | Average temp. of coolest month > 18°C, > 1500mm precipitation annually | Preferred | |
| Af - Tropical rainforest climate | > 60mm precipitation per month | Preferred | |
| As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
| Latitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude lower (m) | Altitude upper (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 4 |
Air Temperature
| Parameter | Lower limit (°C) | Upper limit (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean annual temperature | 21 | 28 |
| Mean minimum temperature of coldest month | 12 |
Rainfall Regime
Bimodal
Uniform
Soil Tolerances
Soil reaction > acid
Soil texture > heavy
Soil drainage > free
Notes on Natural Enemies
Reed-stem epidendrums are generally free of insects. Pests such as aphids, scale insects and mealybugs can affect new growth and developing flower spikes, but can be treated by spraying with an insecticidal soap (Phillips and Hill, 1998). Slugs and snails can also cause problems (Phillips and Hill, 1998).
Epidendrum radicans is susceptible to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, with symptoms including distorted or streaked foliage in irregular patterns (Phillips and Hill, 1998).
Natural enemies
| Natural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stethobaris polita | Herbivore | |||||
| Tobacco mosaic virus (tobacco mosaic) | Pathogen | to genus |
Impact Summary
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cultural/amenity | Positive |
| Economic/livelihood | Positive |
| Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
Impact: Economic
Epiphronitis veitchii is a garden hybrid of E. radicans and Sophronitisgrandiflora. This hybrid has become very popular and plentiful in gardens where orchids are cultivated. It has been used widely for decorative and exhibition purposes (Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1907).
Impact: Environmental
Impact: Biodiversity
Epidendrum radicans can displace native ground cover, reducing the biodiversity of natural habitats (Inkson et al., 2012).
Risk and Impact Factors
Invasiveness
Has a broad native range
Abundant in its native range
Highly adaptable to different environments
Pioneering in disturbed areas
Highly mobile locally
Fast growing
Has high reproductive potential
Reproduces asexually
Impact mechanisms
Rapid growth
Rooting
Likelihood of entry/control
Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Difficult to identify/detect in the field
Uses
Epidendrum radicans is widely cultivated as an ornamental. It is grown as a garden plant, pot plant and for cut flowers (POWO, 2020).
Uses List
General > Botanical garden/zoo
General > Sociocultural value
Environmental > Amenity
Human food and beverage > Seeds
Ornamental > Potted plant
Prevention and Control
Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
There is no information available on the control of E. radicans.
Links to Websites
| Name | URL | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gateway | https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6 | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
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References
Ackerman, JD, 2007. Invasive Orchids: Weeds we hate to love. Lankesteriana, 7(1-2) 19-21.
Assis, F. N. M. de, Souza, B. C. Q., Medeiros Neto, E., Pinheiro, F., Silva, A. E. B., Felix, L. P., 2013. Karyology of the genus Epidendrum (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) with emphasis on subgenus Amphiglottium and chromosome number variability in Epidendrum secundum.Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 172(3) 329-344.
Boeken, M, 2014. Saba en zijn orchideeën. Orchideeën, 75(5) 100-17.
Burnett, GT, 1852. An encyclopaedia of useful and ornamental plants: consisting of beautiful and accurate coloured figures of plants used in the arts, in medicine, and for ornament, with copious scientific and popular descriptions of each, accounts of their uses, and mode of culture, and numerous interesting anecdotes, [ed. by Burnett, MA]. London, UK: George Willis.
Dave's Garden, 2016. Dave's Garden. In: Dave's Garden.El Segundo, California, USA: Internet Brands. http://davesgarden.com
Dressler, R. L., 1989. Will the real Epidendrum ibaguense please stand up?American Orchid Society Bulletin, 58(8) 796-800.
Encyclopedia of Life, 2016. Encyclopedia of Life. In: Encyclopedia of Life.http://www.eol.org
Endress PK, 1996. Diversity and Evolutionary Biology of Tropical Flowers. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 511 pp.
GBIF, 2020. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. In: Global Biodiversity Information Facility. http://www.gbif.org/species
Gardeners' Chronicle, 1907. Gardeners' Chronicle, Horticultural Trade Journal, Part 1.
Inkson T, Smith M, Strachan I, 2012. Garden Escapes & Other Weeds in Bushland and Reserves: A responsible gardening guide for the Sydney Region. Sydney, Australia: Sydney Weeds Committees.
Looking at Plants, 2016. http://looking-at-plants.com/plants_a_-_z/epidendrum_radicans
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2016. Tropicos database. In: Tropicos database.St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.tropicos.org/
Oviedo Prieto, R., Herrera Oliver, P., Caluff, M. G., et al., 2012. National list of invasive and potentially invasive plants in the Republic of Cuba - 2011. (Lista nacional de especies de plantas invasoras y potencialmente invasoras en la República de Cuba - 2011). Bissea: Boletín sobre Conservación de Plantas del Jardín Botánico Nacional de Cuba., 6Special Issue No. 122-96.
POWO, 2020. Plants of the World Online. In: Plants of the World Online. London, UK: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org
Phillips, A., Hill, C., 1998. Reed-stem epidendrums.Orchids, 67(9) 912-919.
Tropical World Nursery, 2016. Tropical World Nursery. http://www.tropicalworldusa.com/Epidendrum-radicans-orange-ground-orchid-rooted-cutting-_p_1125.html
USDA-ARS, 2016. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. In: Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database.Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysimple.aspx
USDA-NRCS, 2020. The PLANTS Database. In: The PLANTS Database. Greensboro, North Carolina, USA: National Plant Data Team. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov
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Copyright © CABI. CABI is a registered EU trademark. This article is published under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
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Published online: 20 January 2017
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