Dendrobium crumenatum

Native from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia and Taiwan to New Guinea, this perennial orchid grows on trees in lowland forests and open woodlands. Its stems are swollen near the base and taper into slender, often hanging upper sections. Leathery leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, with a slight notch at the tip. The white flowers have a yellow-marked lip and a noticeable fragrance, but last less than a day. A sudden temperature drop during a thunderstorm can trigger many plants to bloom together about nine days later. The common name refers to the pigeon-like shape of the unopened buds. Photographed in Florida.