Family: Orchidaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Epidendrum nocturnum, commonly known as night-scented orchid or night fragrant epidendrum, is a tropical orchid native to Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of northern South America. This attractive epiphytic or terrestrial orchid produces slender, upright stems with narrow leaves and large greenish-white flowers. The blooms open at night and release a sweet fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators such as moths. Because of its unusual night-blooming flowers and pleasant scent, it is sometimes grown by orchid enthusiasts and collectors in gardens or mounted on trees in tropical landscapes.
Risks & Threats
On Oʻahu, Epidendrum nocturnum has become naturalized but is currently considered a low-risk species. It can occasionally establish outside cultivation in moist, shaded habitats, especially where suitable host trees or forest conditions exist. However, it does not appear to spread aggressively or form dense populations that displace native vegetation. At present, there is little evidence that this orchid poses significant ecological or agricultural threats in Hawaiʻi, though continued observation is useful to ensure it remains a minor component of the landscape rather than becoming invasive.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates (climate in Hawaiian Islands conducive to establishment)
- Naturalized on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands
- Other Epidendrum species may be naturalized or weedy
- Shade-tolerant
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
- Prolific seed production
- Gaps in biological and ecological information may limit accuracy of assessment
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of negative impacts where naturalized
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Ornamental value
