Brassia gireoudiana Rchb.f. & Warsz. is a striking orchid found only in the seasonally moist forests of Costa Rica and western Panama along the Pacific slopes of the continental divide.

It grows as an epiphyte on shaded tree branches, where water can be limited despite high rainfall. The base of the plant has swollen ‘pseudo-bulbs’ that store water to prevent drought stress.

The genus Brassia, known as ‘spider orchids’ for their long, spidery petals and sepals, includes nearly 70 species mainly in tropical and subtropical Americas. This spider mimicry helps attract spider-hunter wasps to support pollination.

Brassia gireoudiana is particularly spectacular, producing long spikes of flowers up to 25 cm. The flowers are green spotted with brown, with a cream, speckled central lip, making them one of the most visually striking members of the genus.