Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Species:
melanantha
ID:
281167

Status:
valid

Authors:
Schltr.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1899

Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 26: 341 (1899)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280499



Common Names

  • Polystachya melanantha
  • Melanantha Polystachya
  • Melanantha Orchid


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Synonyms

  • Polystachya conocharis Kraenzl. ex Engl. [unknown]
  • Polystachya ionocharis Kraenzl. [unknown]
  • Polystachya uniflora De Wild. [unknown]

Description

Polystachya melanantha (also called Black-flowered Polystachya, among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid species native to tropical Africa. It is a small plant with long, thin, green leaves and a single, upright flower stem with up to five yellow and purple flowers. It is found in humid forests and grasslands.

Uses & Benefits

Polystachya melanantha is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as to treat fever, headache, and digestive problems.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Polystachya melanantha is yellow with a white lip. The seed is small and round. The seedlings are small and have a single leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Polystachya melanantha can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil in a partially shaded position. It is tolerant of drought and requires little maintenance.

Where to Find Polystachya melanantha

Polystachya melanantha is native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is found in wet montane forests at elevations of 1,000–2,000 m.

Polystachya melanantha FAQ

What is the natural habitat of Polystachya melanantha?

Polystachya melanantha is native to Madagascar.

What type of soil does Polystachya melanantha prefer?

Polystachya melanantha prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

How much light does Polystachya melanantha need?

Polystachya melanantha needs bright, indirect light.

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,

References