Status:
valid
Authors:
Rchb.f.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1881
Citation Micro:
Otia Bot. Hamburg. : 113 (1881)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280355
Common Names
- Elegant Polystachya
- Elegant Orchid
- Elegant Bearded Orchid
Synonyms
- Polystachya calyptrata Kraenzl. [unknown]
- Polystachya mannii Rolfe [unknown]
- Unguiculabia elegans (Rchb.f.) Szlach. & Mytnik [unknown]
- Dendrorkis elegans Kuntze [unknown]
- Dendrorchis elegans (Rchb.f.) Kuntze [unknown]
Description
Polystachya elegans (also called Elegant 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, yellow flowers. It grows in tropical rainforest habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Polystachya elegans 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 elegans 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 elegans 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 elegans
Polystachya elegans is native to tropical Africa, from Cameroon to Ethiopia and south to Angola.
Polystachya elegans FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystachya elegans?
Polystachya elegans
What is the common name of Polystachya elegans?
Elegant Polystachya
What is the natural habitat of Polystachya elegans?
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,