PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Trichopilia suavis
Sweet Trichopilia
Lindl. & Paxton, 1852
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An exceptionally beautiful epiphytic orchid prized for its large, pendulous, and highly fragrant flowers. The blossoms feature narrow, wavy, creamy-white or greenish sepals and petals, but the defining characteristic is a massive, funnel-shaped labellum (lip). The lip is white, spectacularly adorned with dense pink, reddish, or magenta spots and blotches, often featuring a warm yellow throat.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Asparagales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Orchidaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Trichopilia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lindl. & Paxton, 1852
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to Central America, predominantly found in the premontane and lower montane cloud forests of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It thrives in cool, highly humid environments, growing on mossy tree trunks in shaded river valleys and damp slopes at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 meters.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An autotrophic epiphyte that produces its own energy via photosynthesis under dappled cloud forest lighting. It features a slow vegetative growth cycle during the heavy wet season, with flower spikes developing inside defensive sheaths at the base of mature pseudobulbs, bursting into bloom in spectacular clusters.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 35.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses compressed, thin, ancipitous (two-edged) pseudobulbs that efficiently pack closely together on tree bark, allowing effective localized storage of critical moisture and nutrients in cloud forest canopies.
The downward-facing or pendulous nature of the inflorescence protects the delicate inner column and floral structures from being flooded and damaged by torrential tropical rain over long wet seasons.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extremely threatened by over-collection due to its high commercial and aesthetic value in international horticulture. Severe habitat fragmentation from dairy farming and cloud forest degradation accelerates local extinctions.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The species produces a remarkably potent and sweet scent, often described as an intoxicating blend of vanilla and almonds, which can fill an entire forest clearing to guide its specific insect pollinators.