Stanhopea tigrina

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Asparagales, it is a member of the family Orchidaceae. Specifically, it is categorized under the genus Stanhopea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the country of Mexico. Specifically, its presence is noted throughout Mexico Central and the Mexico Northeast. It also thrives within the humid environments of the Mexico Gulf region. Furthermore, the species can be found extending into the Mexico Southwest. Finally, its geographical range encompasses the lush landscapes of the Mexico Southeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Stanhopea tigrina is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing a single reproductive cycle. As a long-lived epiphyte, its development follows a continuous cycle of vegetative growth and periodic flowering. The plant begins its life cycle through the germination of seeds, which require specific fungal associations to thrive, eventually developing into specialized pseudobulbs that serve as primary energy storage organs. These pseudobulbs allow the plant to withstand fluctuations in moisture and nutrients within its tropical canopy habitat. Over several years, the plant accumulates enough biomass to support the production of its complex, large-scale inflorescences. The reproductive phase is highly specialized, often synchronized with the activity of specific pollinators, such as euglossine bees, which are attracted to the intricate scents produced by the blooms. Following successful pollination, the plant enters a seed-production phase, eventually dispersing seeds to begin the cycle anew, all while maintaining its permanent vegetative presence in the ecosystem.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Stanhopea tigrina is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically functioning as an obligatory epiphyte rather than a terrestrial, aquatic, or semiaquatic species. Unlike lianas or vines that require external support, this plant is self-supporting in its structural habit, though it relies on host trees for its elevated position in the canopy. It exists as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a non-woody composition throughout its vegetative structure.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Stanhopea tigrina has 5 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anxiolytic, Diuretic, Hypnotic, Sedative.

Antioxidant

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Anxiolytic

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Diuretic

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Hypnotic

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Sedative

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Stanhopea tigrina has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include mental disorders.

Most Reported Uses