This is a native Florida orchid whose habitat is hardwood hammocks and swamps from central through south Florida. Most typically the Encyclia tampensis is found growing on live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) but will also grow on cypress (Taxodium sp.) pine trees (Pinus sp.) as well as pond apple (Annoa glabra), pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana and palm trees.

The Encyclia tampensis has small one-half to one inch pseudobulbs that support one or two eight to twelve inch long grass-like leaves. Flower stems emerge from the leaf axle bearing a raceme or panicle of lovely flowers. Blooming from May through August (peaking in June), the fragrant flowers (fragrance is generally detected around mid-day) can be variable in size, shape and coloration. Flowers usually have green sepals & petals with various amounts of red. The bloom has a white tri-lobed lip, two on either side and the third is fan-shaped and blotched in purple.

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