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
Rhyncholaelia digbyana
Digby's Beaked Orchid
(Lindl.) Schltr., 1918
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A magnificent and world-famous sympodial orchid distinguished by its massive, single flowers that can measure up to 18 centimeters across. The flowers feature pale green to greenish-white sepals and petals, dominated by an extraordinary, highly expanded cream-white lip that is deeply and intricately laciniated with long, delicate hair-like fringes along its entire margin. The plant possesses stout, compressed, club-shaped pseudobulbs, each topped by a single, rigidly erect, fleshy, greyish-green leaf with a thick glaucous waxy coating.
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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.Rhyncholaelia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Lindl.) Schltr., 1918
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, primarily Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula), Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It thrives as an epiphyte in low, open, seasonally dry tropical forests, coastal scrublands, and mangrove margins. It is typically found growing on rough-barked trees like cacti or scrub oaks in environments characterized by high light intensity, intense heat, and a pronounced, long dry season, at elevations near sea level up to 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 nutrients via sunlight. It exhibits a slow, creeping growth habit along branches, producing single pseudobulbs annually. The single, long-lasting flower emerges from a large, protective flattened green sheath at the apex of the newly matured leaf, opening wide to face outward.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
Features an extremely thick, coriaceous (leathery) leaf covered with a glaucous, waxy layer that reflects intense tropical sunlight and significantly reduces moisture loss from evaporation during extended dry months.
Employs Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a specialized photosynthetic pathway allowing the plant to open its stomata and absorb carbon dioxide strictly at night, preventing critical water loss under the scorching daytime sun.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Over-collected by poachers and orchid enthusiasts due to its unique fringed beauty and status as a primary parent in secondary hybridization (creating famous cattleya hybrids). Habitat destruction for coastal resort development and agricultural clearing heavily damages wild colonies.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Rhyncholaelia digbyana is the National Flower of Honduras (declared in 1946, replacing the rose). At night, the flower emits an exceptionally powerful, sweet citrus-like fragrance reminiscent of lemon zest, which vanishes entirely during daylight hours.