Kingdom Plantae Family Orchidaceae Tribe Epidendreae Scientific name Lepanthes eltoroensis | Order Asparagales Subfamily Epidendroideae Subtribe Pleurothallidinae Rank Species | |
Similar Cranichis ricartii, Ilex sintenisii, Vernonia proctorii, Tectaria estremerana, Thelypteris yaucoensis | ||
Lepanthes eltoroensis is a rare species of orchid known by the common name Luquillo Mountain babyboot orchid. It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is known to exist at six sites within El Yunque National Forest in the Luquillo Mountains. It is named for the El Toro Trail in the mountains. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.
This orchid is an epiphyte which grows on the mossy trunks of several species of forest trees. The plant is no more than 4 centimeters long with one leaf and one or more slender stems. The solitary flower lies against the leaf and is just a few millimeters long.
This plant was listed as an endangered species because it is threatened by forest management practices and hurricane activity. Plant collectors have sought this plant, and have destroyed at least one population of it.