Status:
valid
Authors:
Dodson
Source:
wcs
Year:
1993
Citation Micro:
Orquideologia 19: 99, fig. 1993
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000942788
Common Names
- Benzingii Dichaea
- Dichaea Benzingii
- Benzingii Orchid
Description
Dichaea benzingii (also called 'Cats Tail', among many other common names) is a small shrub native to tropical Africa. It has small, ovate leaves and produces small, white flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas, such as in forests and along riverbanks.
Uses & Benefits
Dichaea benzingii is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of ailments including coughs, colds, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dichaea benzingii has white flowers with yellow-green stripes and a yellow lip. The seed is small and round, and the seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dichaea benzingii can be cultivated in a well-draining soil mix, with bright, indirect light and high humidity. Propagation is best done through division, as the plant can be easily divided into multiple smaller plants.
Where to Find Dichaea benzingii
Dichaea benzingii is native to Central America and northern South America.
Species in the Dichaea genus
Dichaea elliptica,
Dichaea filiarum,
Dichaea viridula,
Dichaea alinae,
Dichaea dressleri,
Dichaea globosa,
Dichaea gomez-lauritoi,
Dichaea elianae,
Dichaea acroblepara,
Dichaea acuminata,
Dichaea alcantarae,
Dichaea amparoana,
Dichaea anchorifera,
Dichaea ancoraelabia,
Dichaea anguina,
Dichaea angustifolia,
Dichaea angustisegmenta,
Dichaea antioquiensis,
Dichaea australis,
Dichaea benzingii,
Dichaea boliviana,
Dichaea brachyphylla,
Dichaea brevicaulis,
Dichaea bryophila,
Dichaea buchtienii,
Dichaea cachacoensis,
Dichaea calyculata,
Dichaea camaridioides,
Dichaea campanulata,
Dichaea caquetana,
Dichaea caveroi,
Dichaea chasei,
Dichaea chiquindensis,
Dichaea ciliolata,
Dichaea cleistogama,
Dichaea cogniauxiana,
Dichaea cornuta,
Dichaea costaricensis,
Dichaea cryptarrhena,
Dichaea dammeriana,
Dichaea delcastilloi,
Dichaea ecuadorensis,
Dichaea eligulata,
Dichaea escobariana,
Dichaea fragrantissima,
Dichaea galeata,
Dichaea glauca,
Dichaea gorgonensis,
Dichaea gracillima,
Dichaea graminoides,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,