Status:
valid
Authors:
Stévart & P.J.Cribb
Source:
wcs
Year:
2004
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 59: 81 (2004)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000500836
Common Names
- Polystachya principia
- Prince's Polystachya
- Prince's Orchid
Description
Polystachya principia (also called 'Principia Polystachya', among many other common names) is an epiphytic orchid native to tropical Africa. It typically grows to a height of 0.3–0.6 m (1–2 ft) and has a basal rosette of leaves. It has yellow or white flowers with a dark center. It is found in moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Polystachya principia is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It has a low-growing habit and is drought-tolerant. The plant is also used medicinally to treat skin conditions and as a diuretic.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polystachya principia has small, white, star-shaped flowers, which are followed by small, black, round seeds. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaflets.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polystachya principia is an epiphytic orchid native to tropical Africa. It can be grown in a pot or mounted on a slab of cork or tree fern. It prefers a bright, indirect light and should be kept moist. Propagation is by division of the pseudobulbs.
Where to Find Polystachya principia
Polystachya principia is native to Madagascar and can be found in the tropical forests of the country.
Polystachya principia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystachya principia?
Polystachya principia
What is the common name of Polystachya principia?
Princess Orchid
What is the natural habitat of Polystachya principia?
Tropical rainforests in 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,