Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Species:
odorata
ID:
281206

Status:
valid

Authors:
Lindl.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1862

Citation Micro:
J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 6: 130 (1862)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280538



Common Names

  • Polystachya Odorata
  • Odorata Orchid
  • Odorata Polystachya


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Synonyms

  • Polystachya odorata odorata [unknown]
  • Polystachya striata De Wild. [unknown]
  • Polystachya usambarensis Schltr. [unknown]
  • Dendrorkis odorata Kuntze [unknown]
  • Dendrorkis usambarensis (Schltr.) Kuntze [unknown]
  • Dendrorchis odorata (Lindl.) Kuntze [unknown]
  • Dendrorchis usambarensis Kuntze [unknown]

Description

Polystachya odorata (also called 'Fragrant Polystachya', among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to tropical Africa. It is a small, epiphytic orchid with long, thin stems and small, yellow flowers. It grows in humid, shady forests and on tree trunks.

Uses & Benefits

Polystachya odorata 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.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Polystachya odorata sub. gabonensis (Summerh.) Stévart
Polystachya odorata sub. trilepidis (Summerh.) Stévart
Polystachya odorata sub. odorata

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Polystachya odorata is yellowish-green and has a cylindrical shape. The seed is small and black in color. The seedlings are thin and have a light green color.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Polystachya odorata 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 odorata

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

Polystachya odorata FAQ

What is the optimal temperature for Polystachya odorata?

Polystachya odorata prefers warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

What kind of soil is best for Polystachya odorata?

Polystachya odorata prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH.

How much light does Polystachya odorata need?

Polystachya odorata prefers 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

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-162951: Based on the initial data import
John Lindley (1799-1865): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Lindl.' in the authors string.