Wild Life: Black Orchid (Prosthechea cochleata, a.k.a. Encyclia cochleata)

The Black Orchid (Prosthechea cochleta), is the national flower of Belize. Commonly referred to as the Cockleshell or Clamshell Orchid, this orchid is not actually black at all. Rather, this unique orchid is dark blue with dark purple veins, making it appear black when hiding in the forest canopy.

The Black Orchid has 3 different latin names: Encyclia cochleata, Anacheilium cochleatum, and Epidendrum cochleatum.

The Black Orchid is protected in all forests under Belize’s membership of CITES, an international agreement to protect plant and animal species in danger of extinction through international trade. It is illegal to remove orchids from the country of Belize without a permit. The only ethical way to collect orchids in Belize is to scavenge them from fallen branches.

If you’re dying to see one, and are in Belize, come see the ones growing on our trees @ Pacbitun Farm.

ベリーズの国花は蘭の一種、カトレヤ類のエピデンドルム・コクレアツム。通称「ブラックオーキッド」。