Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Colombia, Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Mountain) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Highland / Montane |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a large, terrestrial orchid with clustered, conical to pyriform (pear-shaped) shaped pseudobulbs. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Each pseudobulb has 3 - 4 deciduous leaves at the terminal end, lanceolate in shape, leaf blade is plicate (folded more than once lengthwise). |
| Stems | Pseudobulb, slightly compressed. |
| Flowers | Flower is yellow, has a rocking lip, enclosed completely by sepals and petals looking like tulip flower, which gives the plant it's common name Tulip Orchid. Flowers are large, measuring about 8 cm long, waxy, and fragrant, borne on erect sheathed inflorescence that arise from the plant base. |
| Habitat | Found at elevations of 1800 to 2500 m, on the eastern slope of the Andes. |
| Cultivation | In its habitat, it is deciduous and drop its leaves during fall, therefore less water is needed and fertilizer should be reduced during that time. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Drought / Semi-Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliage Retention Remarks | Drops its leaves during fall, when the new growth starts. |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous, Pseudostem |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Waxy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped, Labiate / Lipped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32617 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7029 |
| 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. |