[3] Native to Florida and the Bahamas, and another variety in Cuba, E. tampensis is an epiphyte most commonly found growing on southern live oaks but also on pond apples, mangroves, Bald Cypress, pines and palms in tropical hardwood hammocks and along rivers.

[3][1][4] Vouchered specimens have been cataloged by USF as far north as Levy and Putnam Counties.

Mature plants produce a branched inflorescence in Summer containing several flowers with green to bronze sepals and petals surrounding a white lip with a purple dot.

[3][1] There are some variations in color and markings that exist such as Cuba's Encyclia tampensis var.

[8] Certified nurseries are specifically permitted to sell commercially grown protected plants.