Encyclia cochleata is an epiphytic orchid found growing attached to trees in swamps throughout Central America, the West Indies, Colombia, Venezuela, and southern Florida. In Florida, where Encyclia cochleata is listed as endangered, many wild individuals of this species are of a variation that has three anthers, which contain masses of pollen. In most of its range, Encyclia cochleata commonly has only one anther. This has led some taxonomists to conclude that individuals of Encyclia cochleata in Florida may all be descended from a single plant, whose tiny seed may have been transported there by a storm or a bird.
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