Oncidium ensatum

Native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and from southern Mexico through Central America to northwestern Venezuela, this perennial orchid grows on the ground or as an epiphyte in forest habitats, from rich humus in relatively dry hammocks to the bases of cypress trees in wet forests. Ribbed pseudobulbs carry 2 to 6 upright, sword-shaped leaves. Long, branching flower sprays arch above the foliage. The yellow flowers have olive-brown markings, and a mature flower stem can extend to about 6 feet. It is endangered in Florida, where habitat loss, altered water conditions and illegal collection have eliminated some populations. Photographed in Colombia.