Epidendrum exasperatum

Native to Costa Rica and Panama, this orchid grows on trees or rocks in wet forests. Its branching, cane-like stems can form large clumps, and roots develop from both the main stems and some branches. Flower sprays emerge at the tips and sides of the growths, carrying three to nine sweetly fragrant blooms. The green-brown outer segments surround a white, sometimes violet-tinged lip that becomes yellow with age. Small hard projections cover the backs of the sepals, giving the species its name. Flowering occurs throughout the year. Photographed in Ecuador.