Adaptation:

One of the most astonishing adaptations the Dracula orchid has made is its mimicry of mushrooms. The labellum of the orchid is cup shaped and looks and even smells like a mushroom. The labellum is usually also has parallel ridges that resemble the gills of an inverted mushroom. This is used to attract flies to aid in the pollination (see Interactions for more information).

 Another interesting adaptation the orchid has made into the epiphytic lifestyle is specialized features in their roots, leaves.

            Roots: rather than using their roots to absorb nutrients from the soil, they use their roots to anchor onto their ‘host’ to stay in place. Remember, the Dracula orchid share a symbiotic relationship of commensalism with the organism that it takes shelter on. This means that while the orchid has a place to stay, the tree is neither harmed nor helped by the orchid.
            Leaves: The Dracula orchids leaves have a thick waxy cuticle surrounding them in order to prevent water loss.


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