Name: Acianthera auriculata

• Pleurothallis auriculata
• Pleurothallis compressiflora
• Arthrosia auriculata
• Humboltia auriculata
• Specklinia auriculata

Origin: Brazil to Bolivia

First described: 1837 by Lindley

Description: Acianthera auriculata is an epiphytic orchid species belonging to the diverse subfamily Epidendroideae. The species is native to South America and occurs naturally in regions ranging from Brazil to Bolivia.

The plant has upright, slender shoots, which are surrounded at their base by tubular leaf sheaths. A single, upright, oblong to elliptic leaf sits at the tip of each shoot, gradually narrowing toward the base.

The inflorescence develops laterally and produces several successive flowers. The long-lasting flowers are characterized by variable coloration and have distinctively shaped, fleshy or papillose sepals as well as narrow petals.

In its natural habitat, this species inhabits mist-covered mountain forests and grows in cool to warm conditions at elevations between 1,200 and 1,800 meters. The growing season often extends into late spring and summer.