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
Lycaste aromatica
Sweet-scented Lycaste
(Graham ex Hook.) Lindl., 1843
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly popular and distinct sympodial orchid famous for its numerous bright golden-yellow to orange-yellow flowers. The blooms feature broad sepals and smaller petals that overlap to form a hood-like structure over a heavily crested, deep golden labellum. A striking feature of this species is its deciduous nature; it drops its large, thin, pleated leaves during the dry dormancy period, leaving behind large, flattened green pseudobulbs armed with sharp spines at their apex where the old leaves detached.
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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.Lycaste
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Graham ex Hook.) Lindl., 1843
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 Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. It grows as an epiphyte on mossy tree trunks or as a lithophyte on limestone cliffs within seasonally dry tropical forests, humid oak forests, and premontane woodlands, typically at elevations between 500 and 1,600 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 plant producing sugars via sunlight. It tracks a distinct seasonal cycle: entering a strict dormancy phase in the dry season by dropping all foliage, then producing numerous single-flowered erect spikes from the base of the leafless pseudobulbs right before or as the new spring growth emerges.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 - 40.0 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
Utilizes a deciduous strategy, shedding its large leaves at the onset of the dry season to completely eliminate water loss through transpiration, relying on its massive pseudobulbs for survival.
Developed sharp structural spines at the tip of the pseudobulbs when leaves fall; these spines serve to deter arboreal herbivores and climbing rodents from chewing into the nutrient-rich water storage tissue.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly targeted for international and domestic trade due to its delightful spice fragrance and vibrant coloration, leading to local population depletion. General habitat destruction through clearing of oak forests for charcoal and agriculture exacerbates its loss.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The flowers possess a wonderfully strong, sweet fragrance that smells intensely of cinnamon. A single plant with several spikes can easily perfume an entire localized greenhouse or forest grove.