Encyclia is a genus of approximately 130 species of epiphytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales), distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The genus was originally included within Epidendrum until the botanist William Jackson Hooker formally separated it in 1828. Cladistic research has since confirmed that Encyclia sensu stricto is monophyletic, though several related genera — including Euchile, Prosthechea, and Dinema — were later segregated from it based on morphological analysis.
Plants produce pseudobulbs that grow from continuously elongating rhizomes, eventually forming large spreading masses. The flowers are notably long-lasting, often persisting for more than a month, and a number of species are fragrant; Encyclia fragrans, for instance, produces vanilla-scented blooms. The genus name derives from the Greek enkykleomai ("to encircle"), a reference to the lateral lobes of the lip that wrap around the column — a characteristic floral feature of the group.
Many species are popular in horticulture. Encyclia tampensis, the Tampa butterfly orchid, is frequently used in hybridisation programmes for its attractive flowers. The genus is abbreviated as E. in the horticultural trade.
Etymology
The name Encyclia derives from the Greek enkykleomai, meaning "to encircle." It refers to the distinctive lateral lobes of the lip, which wrap around the column — one of the defining floral characteristics of the genus.
Taxonomy Notes
Encyclia was originally treated as part of Epidendrum until William Jackson Hooker separated it in 1828. Subsequent morphological analyses led to the segregation of Euchile, Prosthechea, and Dinema as distinct genera. Cladistic work has confirmed that the remaining Encyclia sensu stricto is monophyletic. Sulpitia Raf. is treated as a synonym.
Cultivation
Many Encyclia species are cultivated as ornamental plants. The flowers are exceptionally long-lasting, often remaining in good condition for over a month. Plants are susceptible to overwatering and need only periodic misting during winter dormancy. The continuously growing rhizomes form large clumps; growers typically divide these by hand to keep plants manageable. Encyclia tampensis is an exception — it thrives in a mounded form and does not require division. Some species, such as Encyclia fragrans, are grown particularly for their fragrant, vanilla-scented blooms.
