Status:
valid
Authors:
Kraenzl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1894
Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 19: 251 (1894)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280635
Common Names
- Polystachya spatella
- Spatella Polystachya
- Spatulate Polystachya
Synonyms
- Polystachya elliotii Rendle [unknown]
Description
Polystachya spatella (also called 'Spatula 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 spatella 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 spatella 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 spatella can be propagated by division or by seed. When propagating by division, divide the rhizomes in spring or early summer and replant in a well-drained medium. When propagating by seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained medium and keep the medium moist until germination occurs. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
Where to Find Polystachya spatella
Polystachya spatella is native to tropical Africa.
Polystachya spatella FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystachya spatella?
Polystachya spatella
What is the natural habitat of Polystachya spatella?
Polystachya spatella is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa.
What is the flower color of Polystachya spatella?
The flowers of Polystachya spatella are yellow to orange in color.
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,