Phalaenopsis gigantea

Phalaenopsis gigantea

Phalaenopsis gigantea is a species of orchid in the genus Phalaenopsis. Her name means as much as " huge Phalaenopsis " (Latin for " giganteus " means something like gigantic, huge), because their flowers and leaves are extremely large compared to other plants of the genus Phalaenopsis.

Features

Phalaenopsis gigantea is a growing monopodial orchid that grows mostly epiphytic. It has a short stem. The 5-6 rather fleshy pale to deep green leaves are up to 20 cm wide. The sheet length may be up to 50 cm. In most cases, multiple form, up to 40 cm long flowering stems, which bloom at about 30 flowers. Remarkable are the extra large flowers ( up to 5 cm), the sepals and petals are elliptical in shape in this species. The basic color of waxy flowers varies from milky white to yellowish white to yellow green with several different distinct points, and point accumulations on the petals, the color of burgundy - red to purple - brown varied.

After pollination the petals wither, it develops a dark green seed capsule.

Known forms and varieties

As described forms and varieties of Phalaenopsis Phalaenopsis gigantea gigantea f decolorata and Phalaenopsis gigantea var aurea are known (both described by Christenson, 2001, Phalaenopsis: a monograph ).

Dissemination

Phalaenopsis gigantea is endemic native to Borneo.

History

The first plant of this type described was found by Prof. Dr. AW Nieuwenhuis 1897 in Borneo and brought to Buitenzorg. This plant finally bloomed in 1909 and was then described by JJSmith in the " Bulletin du Departement de l'Agriculture aux Indes Neerlandaises ". Shortly thereafter, however, died this copy. Not until 1937 that new specimens of this species were found. Today you can find any more copies in their current locations.