Status:
valid
Authors:
Lindl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1862
Citation Micro:
J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 6: 131 (1862)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280354
Common Names
- Elastic Polystachya
- Elastic Orchid
- Elastic Bearded Orchid
Synonyms
- Lissochilus roseus Lindl. [unknown]
- Epiphorella elastica (Lindl.) Mytnik & Szlach. [unknown]
- Dendrobium roseum Sw. [unknown]
- Dendrorkis elastica Kuntze [unknown]
- Dendrorchis elastica (Lindl.) Kuntze [unknown]
Description
Polystachya elastica (also called Elastic Polystachya, among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to tropical Africa. It has a single, upright stem with a terminal inflorescence of small, white flowers. It grows in tropical rainforest habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Polystachya elastica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used as a medicinal plant to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Polystachya elastica is a small, yellowish-green, fragrant flower with a long, slender tube. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a long, slender stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polystachya elastica is an epiphytic orchid that can be propagated by division or by seed. The plant prefers a moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. It is best to water the plant regularly and to fertilize it during the growing season. The plant should be protected from extreme temperatures and strong winds.
Where to Find Polystachya elastica
Polystachya elastica is native to tropical Africa, from Cameroon to Ethiopia and south to Angola.
Polystachya elastica FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystachya elastica?
Polystachya elastica
What is the common name of Polystachya elastica?
Elastic Polystachya
What is the natural habitat of Polystachya elastica?
Tropical and subtropical forests of Africa
Species in the Polystachya genus
Polystachya aconitiflora,
Polystachya acridolens,
Polystachya acuminata,
Polystachya adansoniae,
Polystachya aethiopica,
Polystachya affinis,
Polystachya albescens,
Polystachya alpina,
Polystachya anceps,
Polystachya angularis,
Polystachya anthoceros,
Polystachya armeniaca,
Polystachya asper,
Polystachya aurantiaca,
Polystachya bancoensis,
Polystachya batkoi,
Polystachya bella,
Polystachya bennettiana,
Polystachya bequaertii,
Polystachya bicalcarata,
Polystachya bicarinata,
Polystachya bifida,
Polystachya biteaui,
Polystachya boliviensis,
Polystachya brassii,
Polystachya brugeana,
Polystachya caduca,
Polystachya caespitifica,
Polystachya caespitosa,
Polystachya calluniflora,
Polystachya caloglossa,
Polystachya camaridioides,
Polystachya campyloglossa,
Polystachya canaliculata,
Polystachya candida,
Polystachya carnosa,
Polystachya caudata,
Polystachya cerea,
Polystachya cingulata,
Polystachya clavata,
Polystachya concreta,
Polystachya confusa,
Polystachya cooperi,
Polystachya coriscensis,
Polystachya cornigera,
Polystachya cribbiana,
Polystachya cultriformis,
Polystachya dalzielii,
Polystachya dendrobiiflora,
Polystachya dewanckeliana,
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,