Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Synonyms
Family
Ornamental - It is primarily valued for its aesthetic qualities.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal
It thrives in evergreen broad-leaved forests at altitudes of 700-1700 m asl.
Can survive slight frost, making it unusually resilient for an orchid. Holds cultural importance in some Himalayan rituals.
It exhibits an epiphytic growth habit.
It has a single, upright stem reaching up to 60cm. Covered in velamen for air absorption, it also boasts aerial roots for moisture and nutrients. This unique setup allows it to thrive as an epiphyte.
The stem is lined with pale green, leathery leaves. These strap-shaped leaves, typically 13-18cm long, grow in a staggered pattern along the stem.
It bears fragrant, moderately-sized flowers. Yellowish-green to creamy yellow sepals and petals frame a striking lip. This short, oblong lip has deep red-purple markings near the base and ends in three lobes with a forked tip.
It produces tiny capsules that hold dust-like seeds.
Flowering: March-July