Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Species:
cretacea
ID:
284212

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Dressler & G.E.Pollard) W.E.Higgins

Source:
wcs

Year:
1998

Citation Micro:
Phytologia 82: 377 (1997 publ. 1998)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000283544

Common Names

  • Cretacea Prosthechea
  • Native Cretacea Prosthechea
  • Willow-leaved Cretacea Prosthechea

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Synonyms

  • Pseudencyclia cretacea (Dressler & G.E.Pollard) V.P.Castro & Chiron [unknown]
  • Encyclia cretacea Dressler & G.E.Pollard [unknown]

Description

Prosthechea cretacea (also called Cretaceous Butterfly Orchid, among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to Central America and the Caribbean. It has a single, thin, upright stem with a single, large, bright yellow flower. The flower has three petals and three sepals, and a long, thin, white lip. It is found in humid forests and on the edges of rivers and streams.

Uses & Benefits

Prosthechea cretacea has been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments and is also used to make a natural dye for fabrics.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Prosthechea cretacea is a small, greenish-yellow flower. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are small and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Prosthechea cretacea is a hardy orchid that grows best in partial shade in well-drained soil. It can be propagated from division of the clumps or from seed sown in spring. It can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn.

Where to Find Prosthechea cretacea

Prosthechea cretacea can be found in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

Prosthechea cretacea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Prosthechea cretacea?

Prosthechea cretacea

What is the common name of Prosthechea cretacea?

Cretacea

What is the natural habitat of Prosthechea cretacea?

Tropical forests of Central and South America

Species in the Prosthechea genus

Prosthechea abbreviata, Prosthechea aemula, Prosthechea alagoensis, Prosthechea allemanii, Prosthechea allemanoides, Prosthechea aloisii, Prosthechea baculus, Prosthechea bennettii, Prosthechea bicamerata, Prosthechea boothiana, Prosthechea brachiata, Prosthechea brachychila, Prosthechea brassavolae, Prosthechea bulbosa, Prosthechea caetensis, Prosthechea calamaria, Prosthechea campos-portoi, Prosthechea campylostalix, Prosthechea carrii, Prosthechea chacaoensis, Prosthechea chimborazoensis, Prosthechea chondylobulbon, Prosthechea christyana, Prosthechea citrina, Prosthechea cochleata, Prosthechea concolor, Prosthechea cretacea, Prosthechea faresiana, Prosthechea fausta, Prosthechea favoris, Prosthechea fortunae, Prosthechea fragrans, Prosthechea garciana, Prosthechea ghiesbreghtiana, Prosthechea gilbertoi, Prosthechea glauca, Prosthechea glumacea, Prosthechea grammatoglossa, Prosthechea greenwoodiana, Prosthechea hajekii, Prosthechea hartwegii, Prosthechea hastata, Prosthechea ionocentra, Prosthechea ionophlebia, Prosthechea jauana, Prosthechea kautskyi, Prosthechea lambda, Prosthechea lindenii, Prosthechea livida, Prosthechea magnispatha,

Species in the Orchidaceae family

Aa fiebrigii, Aa hartwegii, Aa hieronymi, Aa leucantha, Aa lorentzii, Aa macra, Aa achalensis, Aa maderoi, Aa mandonii, Aa matthewsii, Aa microtidis, Aa paleacea, Aa argyrolepis, Aa riobambae, Aa rosei, Aa schickendanzii, Aa sphaeroglossa, Aa trilobulata, Aa weddelliana, Aa aurantiaca, Aa calceata, Aa colombiana, Aa denticulata, Aa erosa, Aa figueroi, Aa lozanoi, Aa lehmannii, Acampe carinata, Acampe cephalotes, Acampe ochracea, Acampe pachyglossa, Acampe praemorsa, Acampe joiceyana, Acampe hulae, Acanthophippium bicolor, Acanthophippium chrysoglossum, Acanthophippium curtisii, Acanthophippium eburneum, Acanthophippium gougahense, Acanthophippium javanicum, Acanthophippium lilacinum, Acanthophippium mantinianum, Acanthophippium parviflorum, Acanthophippium pictum, Acanthophippium splendidum, Acanthophippium striatum, Acanthophippium sylhetense, Acanthophippium curtisii, Achlydosa glandulosa, Acianthera aculeata,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-165824: Based on the initial data import
Robert Louis Dressler (1927-2019): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Dressler' in the authors string.
Glenn E. Pollard (1901-1976): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'G.E.Pollard' in the authors string.
Wesley Ervin Higgins (b.1949): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'W.E.Higgins' in the authors string.