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Cymbidium atropurpureum (Lindl.) Rolfe

Family Name:	Orchidaceae
Synonyms:	Cymbidium finlaysonianum var. atropurpureum, Cymbidium pendulum var. atropurpureum

Cymbidium atropurpureum is an epiphytic orchid distinguised by its striking maroon flowers on long pendant-like clusters and produce a coconut-like fragrance. This species grows well under filtered sunlight with regular watering and is typically found growing on trees and occasionally on rocks in lowland evergreen and riverine forests. Its eye-catching flowers make it an excellent choice for urban parks and streetscape plantings.

Semi Shade

Moderate Water

Native to Singapore

Suitable for Hanging Baskets

Fragrant Plant

Ornamental Flowers

Epiphyte

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Epiphyte
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Plant Shape	Weeping / Pendulous
Maximum Height	0.5 m to 1 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	China (Hainan), Vietnam, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Java, Philippines.
Native Habitat	Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	An epiphytic orchid with ovoid-shaped pseudobulbs.
Foliage	Each pseudobulb stem usually has 7 - 9 leathery linear leaves , measuring 50 - 90 cm long and 1.5 - 4 cm wide. Leaf blade unequally bilobed, and has obtuse tip.
Stems	It has pseudobulb stems of up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide.

Flowers	The pendulous inflorescence is about 28 - 75 cm long with 10 - 33 flowers. Flower is typically coconut-scented, measuring 3.5 - 4.5 cm in diameter, with dark purple to maroon narrowly elliptic petals. Its sepals are deep maroon to dull yellow-green, and the white lip turns yellow when aging.
Habitat	It is found on the forks of forest trees (where the branches split) and occasionally on the rocks, as well as in evergreen and riverine forests, at an altitude up to 1200 m.
Etymology	The genus epithet Cymbidium means boat-like, which refers to the shape of the orchid's lip resembling a boat. The specific epithet atropurpureum means dark-purple, describing the flower colour.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features	Fragrant (Flowers), Ornamental Flowers
Landscape Uses	Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Suitable for Hanging Baskets
Thematic Landscaping	Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Semi-Shade
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance

Well-Drained Soils

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Leathery

Prominent Young Flush Colour(s)	Green
Young Flush Texture(s)	Leathery
Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical)
Foliar Venation	Parallel
Foliar Margin	Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip	Obtuse
Typical Foliar Size	3.5 cm to 4.5 cm

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s)	Purple, White
Flower Texture(s)	Smooth

Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location	Axillary
Flower Symmetry	Bilateral
Individual Flower Shape	Labiate / Lipped

References

References	<1> Cymbidium atropurpureum (Lindl.) Rolfe. e-Flora of Thailand. https://botany.dnp.go.th/eflora/floraspecies/html?tdcode=05816 (Accessed 6 January 2026)

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Master ID	32676
Species ID	7088
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.

Species record last updated on: 06 January 2026.