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Polystachya neobenthamia Schltr.
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Synonyms: | Neobenthamia gracilis Rolfe, Polystachya holtzeana Kraenzl. |
| Common Name: | The Graceful Neobenthamia |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Lithophyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.9 m to 1.2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tanzania |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A terrestrial herb, it has a branching growth form and can grow up to 90 to 120 cm tall. It is sometimes a lithophyte orchid which grows on rocky slopes. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are thin and linear in shape, the leaf tip is split into two narrow lobes. |
| Stems | The sub-erect stems are thin and bamboo-like. |
| Flowers | The flowers have white petals and sepals with a yellow streak running down the middle of the labellum (lip) with pink-purple speckles around the streak. The flower anther cap is dull purple in colour. They are fragrant, borne in short, terminal racemes and can grow up to 2.5cm wide. |
| Etymology | The genus Polystachya means many-spiked, which refers to the inflorescence. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32051 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6456 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |