Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Species:
serpentina
ID:
281289

Status:
valid

Authors:
P.J.Cribb

Source:
wcs

Year:
1978

Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 32: 760 (1978)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280621



Common Names

  • Polystachya serpentina
  • Serpentina Polystachya
  • Serpentine Polystachya


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Synonyms

  • Isochilostachya serpentina (P.J.Cribb) Mytnik & Szlach. [unknown]

Description

Polystachya serpentina (also called Serpentine Polystachya, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist forests and grasslands. It is a small epiphytic orchid growing up to 0.5 m tall with lanceolate leaves and small yellow flowers.

Uses & Benefits

Polystachya serpentina is used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases and as a diuretic. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Polystachya serpentina is a small, white, star-shaped flower. Its seeds are small and black, and its seedlings are thin and light green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Polystachya serpentina is a perennial plant that can be propagated from cuttings or by division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is best to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Where to Find Polystachya serpentina

Polystachya serpentina is native to tropical Africa.

Polystachya serpentina FAQ

What is the scientific name of Polystachya serpentina?

Polystachya serpentina

How tall does Polystachya serpentina grow?

Up to 1.5m tall

What type of soil does Polystachya serpentina prefer?

Well-drained, humus-rich soil

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-163026: Based on the initial data import
Phillip James Cribb (b.1946): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'P.J.Cribb' in the authors string.