Brassavola is a genus of 20 orchids species. The name comes from the Venetian nobleman and physician Antonio Musa Brassavola. These species are native to the lowlands of Central America and tropical South America. Most of them are epiphytes. A single, apical and succulent leaf grows on an elongated pseudobulb.The orchid yields a single white or greenish white flower, or a raceme of a few flowers. The three sepals and two lateral petals are greenish, narrow and long. The base of the broad lip partially enfolds the column. Most Brassavola orchids are very fragrant, attracting pollinators with their citrusy smell. But they are only fragrant at night, in order to attract the right moth.
Brassavola nodosa is a small, tough species native to Mexico, the West Indies, Venezuela and Peru. It is also known as "Lady of the Night" orchid.
