Coryanthes macrantha, commonly known as the bucket orchid, is native to tropical regions of northern South America. This orchid is notable for producing some of the largest flowers in the genus, often exceeding six inches in length. The flowers are creamy to pale yellow with deep red or purple speckling and a bulbous helmet-like structure that forms part of a unique floral trap mechanism. Nectar secreted by the flower collects in a bucket-like lip, and visiting euglossine bees, attracted by the strong fragrance, often fall into the fluid reservoir. The only escape is through a narrow passage where the orchid deposits or removes pollinia, ensuring cross-pollination. This highly specialized pollination system represents one of the most intricate mutualisms between orchids and insects. The flowers are also short-lived, typically lasting only a few days, but they are produced sequentially to extend the blooming period. Photographed in Florida.