Dwarf Erycina

Erycina pusilla can be found in the neotropical region, including South and Central America, the southern Mexican lowlands, the Caribbean islands and southern Florida. Its habitat consists of humid forests at elevations of 500 to 950 metres (1,640 to 3,120 ft) with temperatures varying from warm to hot. Like many orchids, E. pusilla grows harmlessly upon other plants. It gets moisture and nutrients from the surroundings without affecting the host plant (commensalism). Its quick development permits this orchid to grow on relatively short-lasting sites such as twigs or even leaves of bushes and trees, such as coffee plant or hibiscus. For this reason, it is usually classified as a twig epiphyte.

Sporadic flowering in flasks was first reported by Livingston (1962), although the in vitro cultivation was just established (2007). The primary culture of E. pusilla becomes a callus after about one month of cultivation. Three months later it reaches leaf stage and after eight months the flowering stage begins. After two and half months E. pusilla produces fruits. A new cycle can start from a new primary culture: protocorm-like body (PLB) in vitro.