Lepanthes eltoroensis

Lepanthes eltoroensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Epidendreae
Subtribe: Pleurothallidinae
Genus: Lepanthes
Species: L. eltoroensis
Binomial name
Lepanthes eltoroensis
Stimson

Lepanthes eltoroensis is a rare species of orchid known by the common name Luquillo Mountain babyboot orchid.[1] It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is known to exist at six sites within El Yunque National Forest in the Luquillo Mountains. It is named for the El Toro Trail in the mountains.[2] It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

This orchid is an epiphyte which grows on the mossy trunks of several species of forest trees. The plant is no more than 4 centimeters long with one leaf and one or more slender stems. The solitary flower lies against the leaf and is just a few millimeters long.[1][2]

This plant was listed as an endangered species because it is threatened by forest management practices and hurricane activity. Plant collectors have sought this plant, and have destroyed at least one population of it.[2]

References

External links

Lepanthes eltoroensis at the Encyclopedia of Life

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