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
Epidendrum ciliaris
Fringed Star Orchid
L., 1759
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly distinctive epiphytic orchid characterized by its elegant, star-shaped flowers. The blooms feature narrow, spreading sepals and petals that are light green to yellowish-green, framing a prominent, snow-white three-lobed labellum (lip). The lateral lobes of the lip are deeply and beautifully fringed or ciliated with delicate, hair-like extensions, giving the flower a feathery appearance.
Added by
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.Epidendrum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L., 1759
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.
Wet 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
Widespread across Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It grows primarily as an epiphyte on trees, and occasionally as a lithophyte on rocks, within seasonally dry tropical forests, premontane moist forests, and lowland savannahs, ranging from sea level up to 1,500 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
As a primary producer, this orchid relies on strong, direct or filtered sunlight within the mid-canopy layer. It grows during the wet season, producing new pseudobulbs, and flowers heavily as the dry season approaches. It maintains a strictly stationary lifestyle anchored securely onto its host tree via an expansive adventitious root system.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)
20.0 - 45.0 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 stout, elongated pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients, enabling the plant to survive extended periods of drought common in seasonally dry forest canopies.
The roots are covered with a thick layers of velamen, a spongy, silvery-white tissue that rapidly absorbs atmospheric moisture, dew, and dissolved nutrients directly from the air.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to over-collection by orchid enthusiasts and commercial poachers due to its attractive flowers, alongside severe habitat loss caused by cattle ranching and urban expansion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The flowers release an intense, sweet, citrus-like fragrance strictly during the night hours, a specialized tactic developed to lure nocturnal hawkmoths (Sphingidae) for pollination.