Neobenthamia gracilis Rolfe

"Neobenthamia gracilis Rolfe  was first found in Tanzania. This orchid grows on rock or ground surface and has been found in grassland in the Korogwe-Handeni region. This species is also reported from the Usagara Mountains at an altitude of 460 m, usually about 100 m inland"

Neobenthamia gracilis Rolfe, Bot. Mag. 118: t. 7221; et in Gard. Chron. (1894) ii. 272, fig. 33 (1892).

Neobenthamia gracilis Rolfe, Photo by Calvin Wong

Neobenthamia gracilis Rolfe, Photo by David Carazo Morales

Family:

Orchidaceae.

Synonym Name: 

Polystachya holtzeana Kraenzl. 

Polystachya neobenthamia Schlechter 

English Name:

The Graceful Neobenthamia

Description: 

It can be very tall, 2 meters or more, with large leaves. Born at the top of the erect terminal inflorescence are numerous very impressive fragrant, medium size flowers, that form a round ball shaped cluster (like a pom-pom).

Distribution:

Tanzania.

Ecological:

Hot to warm growing terrestrial or lithophyte on dry exposed rock faces or on mossy ledges at altitudes of 370-2100 m.

Flowering times:

Blooms in the spring.

Flower size:

2.6 cm

Cultivation:

Temperatures: 15°-24°C

Water: Once a week. Allow roots to dry out between waterings.

Air humidity: 60-80%

Placement: Bright light + good ventilation

Ref:

orchidspecies.com

ipni.org

powo.science.kew.org

Mytnik-Ejsmont, J. (2011). A monograph of the subtribe Polystachyinae Schltr. (Orchidaceae): 1-400. Fundacja Rozwoju Uniwersytetu Gdanskiego.