Yellow, Hawaiian Orchid?

blakrab Centex

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

This yellow orchid about ~1.5" long was growing in a hood in the Puna Forest Reserve, Big Island (HI). What is it?

Featured Answer

Embothrium

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

The ancestral species that managed to get to very geographically isolated Hawaii (where - thanks to it being by itself out in the middle of the Pacific, with the winds coming the long way around, instead of directly from sources of potential colonization - each successful natural plant species introduction was on average thousands of years apart) and form the basis for the existing native orchids could perfectly well have been small and inconspicuous also.

These days Hawaii has the worst rate of native plant extinction in the US. Exotic species are typical features of vegetated places. Often more typical than native ones.

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Comments (6)

dbarron
7 years ago
Oncidium of some sort I'd say.
blakrab Centex thanked dbarron
James _J
7 years ago
The common name is dancing lady orchid. Many of these look so similar it’s difficult to tell them apart, if you add in man made hybrids it’s impossible to tell them apart. Oncidium flexousum is a possibility if your looking for a name. If you just like the way it looks and want to find something similar, Oncidium Grower Ramsey is a popular hybrid that should be easy to find.
blakrab Centex thanked James _J
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arthurm2015
7 years ago
Not native to Hawaii! A garden escape? There are only 3 orchids native to Hawaii and they do not have spectacular blooms.
Jay 6a Chicago
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hawaiian orchids. Interesting they became more subdued while the Hawaiian Lobelias went crazy.

But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not?

I don't think it's in the best interests of these plants to have 'hoods' scattered about in this forest reserve lol!
blakrab Centex
Original Author
7 years ago
Oncidium flexuosum (The Bent Oncidium), thanks!!!

So, it's actually native to South America. Man, it's crazy how many exotics are even in a Hawaiian forest preserve!!! :o