Phalaenopsis amabilis
Phalaenopsis amabilis
Phalaenopsis amabilis (Latin amabilis means lovely, adorable ) is a species in the orchid family ( Orchidaceae). Furthermore, this type is the type species of the genus Phalaenopsis.
Features
Phalaenopsis amabilis is a growing monopodial orchid that grows mostly epiphytic.
The 4-6 elliptically shaped, leathery - fleshy leaves can reach a length of 50 cm and a width of 10 cm. The inflorescences are about 100 cm long, often branching. The sepals and petals of 9-10 cm broad zygomorphic flowers are white. The three-lobed lip is yellow, the callus is additionally covered with reddish dots.
After pollination the petals wither, the color of the seed capsule varies depending on the region from which the plant comes from brown to green. The 7 cm long seed pod takes on the color of the flowering stem.
Known forms and varieties
Due to the large area of distribution of Phalaenopsis amabilis There are a number of local varieties and forms, a systematic classification was revised in the last 200 years many times. Current described are the following forms, varieties and subspecies:
- Phalaenopsis amabilis Blume subsps. moluccana Christenson
- Phalaenopsis amabilis Blume subsps. rosenstromii Christenson
- Phalaenopsis amabilis Blume f fuscata O.Gruss & M.Wolff
Dissemination
Phalaenopsis amabilis is widely used in Southeast Asia, specimens of this species have been found in northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.
History
Phalaenopsis amabilis was first discovered by Peter Osbeck in 1752 on a voyage from China to England. This specimen was described in 1753 as Epidendrum amabile of Linnæus. Phalaenopsis amabilis 1825 was discovered by flower again, with this type species he created the genus Phalaenopsis.
Importance
Because of the many, large, flowers and the relatively long flowering period, this kind of essential importance in today's breeding of new hybrids.
Furthermore Phalaenopsis amabilis has a great importance in Indonesia, this type should reflect as one of three floral emblems Indonesia as well as the biodiversity of Indonesia, where it is regarded as Flower of charm ( Indonesian: Puspa pesona ).