Status:
valid
Authors:
Kraenzl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1909
Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 43: 337 (1909)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280571
Common Names
- Polystachya poikilantha
- Poikilantha Polystachya
- Variegated Polystachya
Description
Polystachya poikilantha (also called Variegated 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 poikilantha is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Polystachya poikilantha var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz.
Polystachya poikilantha var. poikilantha
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polystachya poikilantha has small, yellow flowers with a purple lip. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small, with two leaves and a single root.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polystachya poikilantha is a terrestrial orchid native to Madagascar. It can be propagated by division of the rhizome or by seed. It prefers a well-draining, humus-rich soil and partial shade. Water regularly during the growing season and keep the soil slightly moist during the winter. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Where to Find Polystachya poikilantha
Polystachya poikilantha can be found in tropical Africa, from Ethiopia to Angola and south to South Africa.
Polystachya poikilantha FAQ
What is the optimal temperature for Polystachya poikilantha?
Polystachya poikilantha prefers warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What kind of soil is best for Polystachya poikilantha?
Polystachya poikilantha prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
How much light does Polystachya poikilantha need?
Polystachya poikilantha 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,