Vandopsis gigantea

Native from Bangladesh through southern China to Peninsular Malaysia, this large perennial orchid grows on tree trunks in open forests and along forest edges. Its stout stems carry thick, arching leaves about 16 to 20 inches long. Dense, nodding flower clusters bear fleshy golden-yellow blossoms spotted reddish brown. In southern China, it occurs between about 2,600 and 5,600 feet and flowers in March and April. Photographed in Florida.