Status:
valid
Authors:
Schltr.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1895
Citation Micro:
Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 50: 28 (1895)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280665
Common Names
- Polystachya transvaalensis
- Transvaalensis Orchid
- Transvaalense Orchid
Synonyms
- Polystachya natalensis Rolfe [unknown]
- Polystachya nigrescens Rendle [unknown]
- Polystachya rendlei Rolfe [unknown]
Description
Polystachya transvaalensis (also called 'Transvaal 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 transvaalensis is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Polystachya transvaalensis sub. kahuziana Mytnik
Polystachya transvaalensis sub. transvaalensis
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polystachya transvaalensis 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 transvaalensis is a species of orchid that is native to tropical Africa. It is an epiphytic orchid that grows on trees and rocks in humid forests. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows in moist, well-drained soil. It prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun. Propagation is done by division of the rhizomes or by seed. The seeds should be sown on a well-drained medium and kept moist. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
Where to Find Polystachya transvaalensis
Polystachya transvaalensis is found in tropical Africa, from Ethiopia to Angola and south to South Africa.
Polystachya transvaalensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystachya transvaalensis?
Polystachya transvaalensis
What is the natural habitat of Polystachya transvaalensis?
It is found in tropical rainforests of West Africa
What is the average size of Polystachya transvaalensis?
It can grow up to a height of 1.2m
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,