Broughtonia is a small genus of epiphytic orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales). The genus is native to the Caribbean, with its range centred on the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles — islands including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. In orchid trade and horticultural literature the genus is conventionally abbreviated as Bro.
As currently circumscribed (February 2024), Broughtonia comprises six accepted natural species and one recognised nothospecies (naturally occurring hybrid). The haploid chromosome number of Broughtonia sanguinea, the best-known member, has been determined as n = 20. B. sanguinea is widely cultivated for its striking deep-red to crimson flowers and has been used extensively in intergeneric hybridisation within the Cattleya alliance.
Distribution
Broughtonia is native to the Caribbean basin, occurring in the Bahamas and across the Greater Antilles. The genus is restricted to this island arc and has not been recorded from mainland Central or South America.
Taxonomy Notes
Broughtonia belongs to the tribe Epidendreae within the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales). It is placed in the Cattleya alliance, a group of epiphytic orchids well known in horticulture. The genus abbreviation used in trade journals is Bro. As of February 2024, six natural species and one nothospecies are accepted; GBIF records four accepted descendants under the genus key.
Cultivation
Broughtonia sanguinea and its congeners are cultivated as epiphytes, favoured by orchid growers for their compact habit and vivid flowers. They perform well mounted on cork or bark in bright, humid conditions typical of their Caribbean island habitats, and are frequently used as parents in intergeneric hybrids within the Cattleya alliance.
