Status:
valid
Authors:
Rendle
Source:
wcs
Year:
1895
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. 33: 199 (1895)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280631
Common Names
- Polystachya simplex
- Simplex Polystachya
- Simple Polystachya
Synonyms
- Polystachya aristulifera Rendle [unknown]
- Polystachya pachyrhiza Kraenzl. [unknown]
Description
Polystachya simplex (also called 'Simple Orchid', among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. It has a single, long-lasting leaf and a single, erect inflorescence with many small, white flowers. It grows in moist, shady forests and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Polystachya simplex is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Polystachya simplex is a yellowish-green, fragrant, and long-lasting flower. Its seeds are small, round, and black in color. The seedlings are small and thin with a single leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polystachya simplex 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 simplex
Polystachya simplex is native to tropical Africa.
Polystachya simplex FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystachya simplex?
Polystachya simplex
How tall does Polystachya simplex grow?
Up to 1.5m tall
What type of soil does Polystachya simplex 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,