Status:
valid
Authors:
(Baker) Leme
Source:
wcs
Year:
1997
Citation Micro:
Canistrum - Bromeliads Atlantic Forest : 70 (1997)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000608119
Common Names
- Gigantea wittrockia
- Wittrockia gigantea
- Wittrockia gigantea var. gigantea
Synonyms
- Canistrum giganteum (Baker) L.B.Sm. [valid]
- Canistrum ingratum Mez [valid]
- Karatas regnellii Baker [valid]
- Nidularium giganteum Baker [valid]
- Regelia regnellii (Baker) Lindm. [superfluous]
Description
Wittrockia gigantea (also called 'Giant Orchid', among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to Brazil. It is a large epiphytic orchid, with a long stem and multiple leaves. The flowers are yellowish-green, with a white lip. It grows in humid forests and in wet areas, at elevations of up to 1000 meters.
Uses & Benefits
Wittrockia gigantea is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Wittrockia gigantea has white flowers with yellow centers and small, dark brown seeds. The seedlings are small and have a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Wittrockia gigantea is a perennial herb that can be propagated by division of the root clumps. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of drought and can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). It can be grown from seed, but it is slow to establish and may not flower for several years.
Where to Find Wittrockia gigantea
Wittrockia gigantea is native to Brazil and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Wittrockia gigantea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Wittrockia gigantea?
Wittrockia gigantea
What type of plant is Wittrockia gigantea?
Evergreen shrub
Where is Wittrockia gigantea native to?
South America
Species in the Wittrockia genus
Species in the Bromeliaceae family
Acanthostachys pitcairnioides,
Acanthostachys strobilacea,
Acanthostachys calcicola,
Aechmea abbreviata,
Aechmea aculeatosepala,
Aechmea alba,
Aechmea alegrensis,
Aechmea alopecurus,
Aechmea ampla,
Aechmea andersonii,
Aechmea angustifolia,
Aechmea anomala,
Aechmea apocalyptica,
Aechmea aquilega,
Aechmea araneosa,
Aechmea arenaria,
Aechmea aripensis,
Aechmea azurea,
Aechmea bahiana,
Aechmea bambusoides,
Aechmea biflora,
Aechmea blanchetiana,
Aechmea blumenavii,
Aechmea bocainensis,
Aechmea brachystachys,
Aechmea bracteata,
Aechmea brassicoides,
Aechmea brevicollis,
Aechmea bromeliifolia,
Aechmea bruggeri,
Aechmea caesia,
Aechmea callichroma,
Aechmea calyculata,
Aechmea campanulata,
Aechmea candida,
Aechmea cariocae,
Aechmea carvalhoi,
Aechmea castanea,
Aechmea castelnavii,
Aechmea cathcartii,
Aechmea caudata,
Aechmea chantinii,
Aechmea coelestis,
Aechmea colombiana,
Aechmea comata,
Aechmea conferta,
Aechmea confusa,
Aechmea conifera,
Aechmea costantinii,
Aechmea contracta,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1003091-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].