Plants

Dancing Lady Orchids

Scientific Name

Oncidium spp.

Flowering Season

Depend on species

Reproduction

Pollinated by bees and wasps. Some species disperse their seeds by explosion.

Close-up of bright yellow orchids with reddish-brown centers.

Fun Facts

With their flouncy sepals and petals, these distinctive orchids have flowers like ladies in vibrant dresses dancing in the breeze.
Although these orchids don't have nectar or fragrant oils, they can visually trick and lure pollinators. Some species mimic oil-producing orchids to attract bees to come and harvest. Some resemble territorial male bees, such that other bees will come to drive them away. In either case, the orchid’s pollen will stick onto the bees and be carried onwards to other flowers.

Close-up of dark red and yellow spotted orchids with green foliage in the background.

Yellow orchids with a black bee on one flower, against a blurred green background.

Origins

Central and South America, including countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru

Threats & Conservation

Threats or Importance

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Invasive Species & Diseases
Pollution

Orchids are among the world's most popular plants, captivating horticulturists with their graceful beauty and scientists with their remarkable adaptability. However, dancing lady orchids face various threats in the wild, including pollution and habitat loss from agriculture, livestock grazing, aquaculture, mining, and urban development. The orchids are also harvested for horticulture and traditional medicine, some of which involves illegal trade.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

2 species are Critically Endangered, 2 are Endangered, 1 is Vulnerable, and 7 are Least Concern

Conservation Regulations

Regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong, and all wild orchids are protected by the Forestry Regulations under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96)

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Saving Species & Habitats

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Explore more animals & plants

Black monkey with mottled greyish-black fur and orange feet sitting on a tree branch.

Mammals

Red-handed Tamarin

Amphibians

Green Tree Frog

Reptiles

European Legless Lizard

Plants

Dancing Lady Orchids

Scientific Name

Oncidium spp.

Flowering Season

Depend on species

Reproduction

Pollinated by bees and wasps. Some species disperse their seeds by explosion.

Fun Facts

With their flouncy sepals and petals, these distinctive orchids have flowers like ladies in vibrant dresses dancing in the breeze.
Although these orchids don't have nectar or fragrant oils, they can visually trick and lure pollinators. Some species mimic oil-producing orchids to attract bees to come and harvest. Some resemble territorial male bees, such that other bees will come to drive them away. In either case, the orchid’s pollen will stick onto the bees and be carried onwards to other flowers.

Origins

Central and South America, including countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru

Threats & Conservation

Threats or Importance

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Invasive Species & Diseases
Pollution

Conservation

IUCN Red List

2 species are Critically Endangered, 2 are Endangered, 1 is Vulnerable, and 7 are Least Concern

Conservation Regulations

Regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong, and all wild orchids are protected by the Forestry Regulations under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96)

Support Mission R to protect animals & plants!

Saving Species & Habitats

Learn More

Explore more animals & plants

Mammals

Red-handed Tamarin

Amphibians

Green Tree Frog

Reptiles