Some may still find Encyclia cochleata under its old name, Epidendrum cochleatum. Approximately 150 to 200 Epidendrum species were separated in 1828 to the new genus. It was not until 1961 that Dressler re-established the genus. This move was due to their distinctive difference in column structure. Also of note is most of the selected species have pseudobulbs while the rest of the Epidendrum species tended to be reed-stemmed. This is not the case 100% of the time, but significant enough to include this trait in the decision to spin the group off into a new genus. Most Encylias can be found in nature from Florida in the United States to South America. The Mexico species were published in 1974, but it is interesting to note IF a hybrid was registered as a Epidendrum prior to 1961, Sander's will continue to use Epidendrum for its hybrid registration.
Generally Encylias can be grown in the light and temperatures suitable for the common Cattleyas: around 3000-5000 foot-candles of light and temperatures of 55-60°F at night and around 70-85°F during the day. Most prefer being grown in baskets or mounted. As with all orchids, each species will have its own specific growing needs that it prefers for optimum growth.
Encyclia cochleata has been in the hands of collectors and orchidists for a very long time. In fact, it was the first epiphytic orchid to bloom in England way back in 1787. As I previously noted above, it was then called Epidendrum cochleatum. This natures' jewel has several common nicknames: cockle-shell orchid, black orchid, clamshell orchid, and purple-shell orchid. The blossoms appear to be very strange because the blooms are upside down and look like cockle shells. Each blossom has long sepals and petals that are twisted and are greenish yellow in color. Some say the blossoms remind them of a tiny octopus with the tentacles hanging down. The blossom lip is a dark purple shade with little stripes of yellow.
