The bucket orchid is an epiphyte.
That means its roots hang from a tree branch. Its scientific name
is coryanthes macrantha. It is commonly called the bucket orchid
because it has a bucket shaped petal behind its lip.
The bucket orchid, like other orchids, interestingly colored.
It has yellow petals with red-orange spots. Its stem is green
and it has white roots. The roots turn green when they get wet.
An interesting thing about the bucket orchid is how it is pollinated.
The orchid makes a scent that attracts male euglossine bees. The
bees need the scent to attract mates. When the bee is collecting
the perfume it sometimes falls into the bucket. The only way out
is through the lip in the front. When the bee emerges pollen is
stuck to the its back. The bee, having a short memory span, goes
to another flower and does it al over again. This time it deposits
the pollen.