Arundina Sp. (Dwarf)
$8.50
Arundina Graminifolia (D.Don) Hochr.
$15.00
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Arundina Graminifolia (D.Don) Hochr.
Height
1meter
Arundina Graminifolia (D.Don) Hochr.
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Synonyms: | Arundina graminifolia var. chinensis, Cymbidium bambusifolium, Arundina speciosa, Arundina chinensis, Bletia graminifolia, Arundina bambusifolia |
| Common Name: | Bamboo Orchid, Bird Orchid, Kinta Weed, Phanyar, 竹兰, 竹叶兰 |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a clumping herb consisting of leafy, erect stems joined at the base, up to 2.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate leaves are grass-like. |
| Flowers | Its large, 5 by 5 cm flowers develop in shoots at the tips of the stems. Its three sepals and two lateral petals are white to pink. The third petal is modified to a bright rosy purple lip with a central yellow patch. |
| Fruit | Its fruit is a cigar-shaped capsule that splits to release the tiny, wind-dispersed seeds when ripe. |
| Habitat | The bamboo orchid is found occuring naturally in lowland secondary forests, right up to higher altitudes in the tropical montane forests. Its natural habitats include open areas, grassland, mountains and rock places by streams. Unlike many epiphytic orchids, which are found growing on trees, this orchid is a terrestrial species. |
| Associated Fauna | Ants are known to visit the flowering parts of the plant, while the flowers are bee-pollinated. |
| Cultivation | The bamboo orchid prefers well-drained moderately moist to moist soil, full sun, high humidity and good air circulation. The soil should also not be allowed to dry out between waterings. In the absence of adequate light, the plant will not flower. |
| Etymology | The genus name "Arundina" is derived from the Greek word, "Arundo" (αρυνδο), in reference to the reed-like stems of the plant, while the specific epithet "graminifolius" comes from the Latin "gramineus" and "folius", which refer to the grass-like leaves. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Flowers Food (Fruit or Vegetable): A highland variety of the bamboo orchid are used by locals in East Malaysia as a vegetable. Its flowers are first stir-fried, and said to have a bitter taste, like bittergourd, and are useful in controlling high blood pressure. Others: Occasionally cultivated as an ornamental plant for its flowers, the plants are free-flowering throughout the year once established in optimal conditions. |
Full Sun
Lots of Water
Moderate Water
Native to Singapore
Fruit or Vegetable
Suitable for Roadsides
Suitable for Rooftops
Ornamental Flowers
Herbaceous Plant