Orchidaceae

 

Prosthechea cochleata

Black Orchid

Belize - March 2014

The epiphytic Prosthechea cochleata is the national flower of Belize. It is most commonly known as the Black Orchid but, due to its resemblance to a seashell, is also known as the Cockleshell Orchid or Clamshell Orchid. It is found from Florida to northern South America.