Tolumnia bahamensis
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Oncidium bahamense
- Oncidium variegatum subsp. bahamense
- Tolumnia adamsii
- Description
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Florida Dancing Lady is a semi-epiphytic evergreen orchid native to a small area of coastal scrub in southeastern Florida and the Bahamas. The plant grows on wild rosemary or palmetto scrub and consists of 408 leaves that are connected by a rhizome. In the spring it produces an inflorescence that consists of up to 50 flowers that are quite striking. They are pollinated by the Centris errans bee that mistakes it for another insect and attacks it, getting pollen on it in the process.
The name Dancing Lady comes from the flower shape.The lower petals resemble a flared skirt and are white with brownish spots while the bumpy yellow callus resembles the bodice of the dress. The plant is listed as endangered in Florida due to loss of habitat and poaching.
The plant needs partial to dappled shade and very good drainage.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Tolumnia
- Species:
- bahamensis
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Florida, Bahamas
- Distribution:
- FL
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers are pollinated by Centris errans bees.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gold/Yellow
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- 1/2 inch flowers in April and May. Up to 50 flowers per raceme. Lower petals are flared (the skirt) and are white with brownish spots. The bumpy yellow callus is the "bodice".
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are simple, alternate, have serrated margins with 4-8 leathery leaves in a fan shape. They are lanceolate with acute tips.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Container
- Attracts:
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Humidity
