Phalaenopsis amabilis

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Phalaenopsis amabilis
Phalaenopsis amabilis

Phalaenopsis amabilis

Systematics
Family : Orchids (orchidaceae)
Subfamily : Epidendroideae
Tribe : Vandeae
Sub tribus : Aeridinae
Genre : Phalaenopsis
Type : Phalaenopsis amabilis
Scientific name
Phalaenopsis amabilis
( L. ) flower

Phalaenopsis amabilis (lat. Amabilis means sweet , adorable ) is a kind from the family of orchids (Orchidaceae). Furthermore, this species is the type of the genus Phalaenopsis .

features

Phalaenopsis amabilis is a monopodial orchid that grows mainly epiphytically.

The 4–6 elliptical, leathery-fleshy leaves can reach a length of 50 cm and a width of 10 cm. The inflorescences can be over 100 cm long, often branching. The sepals and petals of the 9-10 cm wide zygomorphic flowers are white. The three-lobed lip is yellow, the callus is also covered with reddish dots.

After pollination, the petals wilt and the color of the seed pod varies from brown to green, depending on the region from which the plant originates. The approx. 7 cm long seed capsule takes on the color of the flower shoot.

Known forms and varieties

Due to the large distribution area of Phalaenopsis amabilis, there are a large number of local varieties and forms , the systematic classification of which has often been revised in the last 200 years. The following forms, varieties and subspecies are currently described:

  • Phalaenopsis amabilis subsp. amabilis : It occurs in western and central Malesia.
  • Phalaenopsis amabilis flower subsp. moluccana Christenson : It occurs from north-eastern Borneo to the Moluccas.
  • Phalaenopsis amabilis flower subsp. rosenstromii Christenson : It occurs in New Guinea, in the Bismarck Archipelago and in Queensland.
  • Phalaenopsis amabilis flower f. fuscata O.Gruss & M.Wolff
  • Phalaenopsis amabilis flower f. concolor Baume & Christenson

distribution

Phalaenopsis amabilis is widespread in Southeast Asia, specimens of this species have so far 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 trip from China to England. This specimen was described by Linnæus in 1753 as Epidendrum amabile . In 1825, Phalaenopsis amabilis was rediscovered by Blume , with this type species he created the genus Phalaenopsis .

meaning

Due to the many, large, flowers and the relatively long flowering time, this species is essential in today's breeding of new hybrids.

Furthermore, Phalaenopsis amabilis is of great importance in Indonesia, this species is said to be one of three floral emblems to reflect Indonesia and the biodiversity of Indonesia, where it is considered a flower of charm (Indonesian: Puspa pesona).

literature

  • O. Gruss, M. Wolff: Phalaenopsis . Verlag Eugen Ulmer, 1995, ISBN 3-8001-6551-1
  • O. Gruss, M. Wolff: Orchid Atlas . Verlag Eugen Ulmer, 2001, ISBN 3-8001-3870-0
  • Eric A. Christenson: Phalaenopsis - A Monograph , Timber Press Inc., Portland (Oregon) 2001, ISBN 0-88192-494-6

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Rafaël Govaerts (Ed.): Phalaenopsis amabilis. In: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP) - The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved May 17, 2020.

Web links

Commons : Phalaenopsis amabilis  - album with pictures, videos and audio files