Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Species:
xerophila
ID:
281368

Status:
valid

Authors:
Kraenzl.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1904

Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 34: 60 (1904)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000280700



Common Names

  • Polystachya xerophila
  • Xerophila Orchid
  • Xerophilum Orchid


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Synonyms

  • Isochilostachya xerophila (Kraenzl.) Mytnik & Szlach. [unknown]

Description

Polystachya xerophila (also called Desert Jewel Orchid, among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid species native to tropical Africa. It has a single, erect, leafy stem, up to 30 cm tall, with several oblong-lanceolate leaves, up to 6 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The inflorescence is a raceme of several flowers, with sepals and petals of a yellowish-green color, and a lip with a yellowish-green background, and purple-brown spots.

Uses & Benefits

Polystachya xerophila is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Polystachya xerophila is yellow with a white lip and a long spur. The seed is small, round and black. The seedlings are small and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Polystachya xerophila is a terrestrial orchid native to tropical Africa. It is an easy-to-grow species that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers a well-draining soil and should be grown in a bright, humid environment. It should be kept moist but not wet and should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer.

Where to Find Polystachya xerophila

Polystachya xerophila is found in tropical Africa, from Ethiopia to Angola and south to South Africa.

Polystachya xerophila FAQ

What is the scientific name of Polystachya xerophila?

Polystachya xerophila

What is the natural habitat of Polystachya xerophila?

Polystachya xerophila is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa.

What is the flower color of Polystachya xerophila?

The flowers of Polystachya xerophila 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,

References