PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Maxillaria tenuifolia
Coconut Pie Orchid
Lindl., 1837
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly popular and distinctively clumping epiphytic orchid characterized by its unusual ascending, climbing rhizome structure that causes the plant to grow upwards or spill over tree limbs. It features tightly grouped, small, oval-oblong to elliptic pseudobulbs that are laterally compressed, each bearing a single, exceptionally slender, linear, grass-like leaf that can reach up to 60 centimeters in length. The plant produces solitary, short-stalked flowers roughly 4 to 5 centimeters across from the base of mature pseudobulbs. These striking blossoms are overwhelmingly deep oxblood or brick-red, displaying complex leopard-like mottling of yellow and brown near the center, alongside a concave, recurved labellum (lip) heavily speckled with dark purplish dots.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Coconut Pie OrchidOrquídea de cocoCoconut OrchidDelicate-leafed Maxillaria
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).Magnoliopsida
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.Maxillaria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lindl., 1837
Record Completeness
93%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.
Stable
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.
Year Round
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
Widely distributed throughout the wet tropical biomes of Mexico and Central America, including Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It thrives primarily as a low-to-mid elevation epiphyte from sea level up to 1,500 meters, anchoring onto branches in humid tropical rainforests, seasonal semi-deciduous woodlands, and shaded ravines within warm oak forests, favoring regions with excellent air movement and filtered or dappled canopy light.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
Grows primarily as an epiphyte, constructing expansive, elevated mats that bridge branch bifurcations and stabilize overhead moisture dynamics. Blooming is synchronized in spring and early summer, triggered by the rising temperatures that follow the winter dry resting period. The intense, long-distance coconut scent profile acts as a massive olfactory beacon within the lower canopy layers, drawing in native insect networks during peak daily temperature hours.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 - 60.0 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 an elongated, modular climbing rhizome structure that allows the plant to actively grow away from stagnant inner canopies and continually position newer pseudobulbs into better-lit, well-aerated outer branch zones.
Features tough, hyper-narrow, grass-like leaves that significantly minimize surface area exposure, reducing moisture loss during seasonal dry periods while mimicking surrounding non-succulent foliage to deter herbivores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation resulting from logging, agricultural conversion into pastures, and localized wildfires, which strips away the micro-climates and old-growth host trees needed for stable epiphytic development.
Widespread unsustainable extraction from wild populations due to its immense global status in the commercial horticultural trade, driven by high collector demand for its exceptionally unique olfactory appeal.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The flower emits an incredibly powerful, unmistakable fragrance of rich coconut milk or warm coconut pie, which intensifies significantly under warm daytime sunlight and can easily perfume an entire room or greenhouse.
Despite its delicate, grass-like appearance, Maxillaria tenuifolia is historically celebrated as one of the hardiest and most drought-tolerant orchid species in cultivation, easily surviving months of minimal winter watering.