The species name (hieroglyphica) of this plant refers to the dark horizontal banding patterns. This plant is endemic to southeast Brazil where it would naturally grow attached to tree branches. A mature plant has 30-40 leaves up to 3 inches wide and can reach 3 feet wide at maturity. Mature plants typically bloom in late spring/summer when plants are mature. Flower spikes are quite tall, 2 to 3 feet high and bear creamy yellow flowers.