Epidendrum

The name of this genus comes from the Greek words "epi" (on) and "dendron" (tree), literally "on trees," referring to its epiphytic growth habit. Epidendrum is a plant genus with about 700 species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from South Carolina to Argentina. They are often epiphytic, sometimes terrestrial and rarely lithophytic plants. Most Epidendrum grow in the Andes at altitudes between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. The habitat ranges from humid jungles to dry tropical forests, and from sunny grassy slopes to cool cloud forests. There is much variation in the appearance and size of the flowers. Many species have flowers that smell.

Care of the Epidendrum is relatively easy in normal living room conditions, making it a good choice for the beginner or someone who does not want to expend too much energy caring for an orchid.