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
Oncidium obryzatum
Golden Rain Orchid
Rchb.f., 1852
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly prolific sympodial epiphytic orchid celebrated for its massive, loosely branched paniculate inflorescences that carry hundreds of small, vibrant flowers. The blossoms are bright golden-yellow, delicately barred and spotted with warm reddish-brown markings near the center. The dominant feature of each flower is its expanded, multi-lobed yellow lip. The plant possesses clustered, flattened, bright green pseudobulbs with slightly wrinkled surfaces, each topped by a single or pair of flexible, strap-like leaves.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.Oncidium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Rchb.f., 1852
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.
--
Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
--
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
Native to Central and South America, ranging from Costa Rica and Panama to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It inhabits wet premontane and montane cloud forests, commonly growing on mossy branches and trunks in conditions of dappled light and constant high air humidity, at elevations between 800 and 2,200 meters above sea level.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 converts light energy into carbohydrates. It features a continuous sympodial growth habit, creating successive new leads along a short creeping rhizome. The spectacular flowering spikes emerge from the basolateral protective bracts of the newest fully matured pseudobulbs, opening sequentially and remaining in perfect condition for several weeks.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
Produces exceptionally elongated, arching inflorescences that project up to a meter away from the dense foliage, positioning the massive cloud of yellow blooms clear of surrounding leaves to maximize visual visibility to passing forest insects.
Possesses a highly developed, expansive velamen radicum layer on its aerial roots, structurally adapted to acting like a sponge to instantly trap ambient condensation and mist water directly from the saturated mountain air.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to deforestation driven by cattle ranching and coffee cultivation, which removes the specialized microhabitats provided by mature host trees. Illegal stripping of wild populations for decorative plant markets further stresses local abundance.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Due to the spectacular visual phenomenon of hundreds of tiny golden flowers swaying simultaneously in mountain breezes, this and closely related species are universally referred to as 'Dancing Ladies' or 'Golden Rain'.