wormvine orchid

Vanilla barbellata is a member of the Orchidaceae, one of the largest families of flowering plants. It is found in the Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Florida, the Leeward Islands, and Puerto Rico. This species is commonly referred to as wormvine orchid in English. The name Vanilla refers to the genus, which includes several species known for their aromatic pods used in flavoring. The species was formally published in 1865 by Rchb.f., a notable contributor to orchid taxonomy. It is adapted to tropical and subtropical environments, where it grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte, often on trees or rocks.