Epidendrum (vine orchids) are a genus with just over 1,100 species, including Epidendrum Secundum. Present from the Caribbean to the north and west of South America, this large epiphyte plant grows in full light between 1,970 and 10,500 ft (600 and 3,200 m) above sea level, as here on the slopes of Mount Pelée (4,583 ft / 1,397 m) in Martinique. It adapts to a wide range of climates, from cool to warm temperate, and its erect and long terminal inflorescence bears numerous flowers of variable color in umbels. It appears on mature canes from February to October in the epidendrum's biotope.