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
Sobralia macrantha
Large-flowered Sobralia
Lindl., 1838
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A towering, robust terrestrial or occasionally lithophytic orchid featuring remarkably tall, slender, reed-like or bamboo-like unbranched stems that can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. The stems are densely clothed with alternating, stiff, lance-shaped, and sharply pleated (plicate) dark green leaves. At the apex of these reed structures, it produces short, successive inflorescences that yield colossal, delicate, cattleya-like blossoms up to 20 cm in diameter; the flowers are a magnificent luminous magenta-purple or rose-pink, boasting a sprawling, highly ruffled trumpet-shaped lip with a bright yellow to white central throat.
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Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Large-flowered SobraliaLirio de San JuanZapatito de la VirgenBig-flowered Sobralia
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.Sobralia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lindl., 1838
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
Native to a wide swath of Mesoamerica, ranging through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica. It thrives primarily as a terrestrial plant nestled in well-drained, acidic leaf litter over volcanic soils, or lithophytically on open, exposed rocky bluffs and moss-covered roadside banks at elevations spanning 600 to 1,700 meters, preferring areas with high sunlight, heavy seasonal rainfall, and consistent air movement.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
Forms large, dense colonial thickets that can carpet entire rocky outcrops. It utilizes rapid, synchronized visual signaling via its huge, vibrant pink trumpet lips to draw in large native euglossine and bumblebee species during warm morning hours. The architecture of the tightly clustered canes provides localized nesting stability and canopy-like protection for specialized ground-dwelling lizards and mountain insects.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)
100.0 - 250.0 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 a deeply rooted, extensive, fleshy rhizomatous root system capable of anchoring the exceptionally tall, heavy stems into loose slope soils and absorbing nutrients efficiently from thin organic leaf litter layers.
Features tough, heavily plicate (pleated) leaves designed to resist cellular collapse under strong, direct equatorial sunlight and wind shear on open, unprotected montane cliffs.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Significant habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and road construction, which regularly cuts through the open roadside banks and rocky slopes where this colonizing species naturally establishes.
Exploitation via opportunistic wild harvesting for domestic ornamental trade, as the massive, visually striking pink flowers make it a highly sought-after plant for rural gardens and roadside vendors.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Often colorfully nicknamed the 'Bamboo Orchid' or 'Reed Orchid' due to its vegetative morphology, the massive plants closely mimic a stand of wild grasses or reeds until the spectacular flowers burst from the terminal points.
The colossal flowers are extraordinarily ephemeral, lasting only a single day (roughly 15 to 24 hours) before clean wilting; however, the apex produces a continuous succession of buds, allowing a single large stem to stay in active bloom for weeks.