Phalaenopsis hygrochila, also known as 湿唇兰 (shi chun lan) in Chinese,[2] is a species of epiphytic orchid native to Assam, Borneo, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam and West Himalaya.[1]
This species has a complex taxonomic history and has been previously assigned to several genera.[1]
The 5–10 cm, sometimes up to 20 cm long stems are 8–15 mm wide and enclosed within persistent leaf sheaths. They bear oblong to obovate-oblong, unequally bilobed, coriaceous leaves, between 17 and 29 cm in length and 3.5-5.5 cm in width. Yellow flowers of 4–5 cm in diameter with purple spotting and a white lip with lavender colouration on the midlobe are produced on 5-8 flowered, axillary and often pendent inflorescences. One plant may produce up to 6 inflorescences at a time. Flowering occurs throughout June and July. The diploid chromosome count is 2n = 38.[2] Each pollinium is completely divided into two unequal halves.[3] The seeds are 238.7 µm long and 81.2 µm wide.[4]
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Lateral view of flower bud in the process of opening
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Flower viewed from behind
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Lateral view of fully closed, spurred flower buds
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Flowers growing on a pendent inflorescence
Flowering specimen mounted on a branch with moss
Botanical illustration of Phalaenopsis hygrochila as Vanda parishii
The plants are found in open forests in elevations of 700–1300 m.[2]
This species is protected unter the CITES appendix II regulations of international trade.[5]
It has been utilized as an ornamental plant and cut flowers have been traded commercially, both locally and internationally. Artificial propagation and genetic transformation protocols were established.[6]
Phalaenopsis hygrochila, also known as 湿唇兰 (shi chun lan) in Chinese, is a species of epiphytic orchid native to Assam, Borneo, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam and West Himalaya.
