Gastrochilus platycalcaratus (Rolfe) Schltr.

Gastrochilus platycalcaratus Schltr., Orchideen 582 (1914).

Gastrochilus platycalcaratus Schltr. Photo by Albert Tamashausky

its native range is China (S. Yunnan) to Indo-China.

Synonyms:

Gastrochilus diannanensis Z.H.Tsi & Y.Z.Ma

Gastrochilus sukhakulii Seidenf.

Saccolabium platycalcaratum Rolfe

English name:

The Broad Spur Gastrochilus

Chinese name:

Dian Nan Pen Ju Lan - 滇南盆距兰

Description:

A short stem carrying 3 to 6, nearly basal, green tinted with purplish red, oblong, obtuse and unequally bilobed apically leaves that blooms in the spring on a pendent, racemose, .8 to 1" [2 to 2.5 cm] long, to 9 flowered inflorescence with ovate-triangular, obtuse floral bracts and carrying wide opening, waxy, fragrant flowers.

Flower Size:

6 mm.

Distribution:

Yunnan Province of China, Myanmar and Thailand.

Ecological:

On tree trunks in dense forests; 700-800 m. 

Flowering time:

Mar.

Culture:

Plants are best grown hanged in baskets and on mounted and usually require moderate shade and intermediate to cool temperatures. Water frequently during growing season and reduce watering after flowering. If hanged the roots must be watered frequently. Plants should be grown in media that is well drained such as tree fern fibers (for small plants), medium fir bark, or sphagnum moss.

Type:

Herbarium: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K), K000891607

Collection: Herbarium Specimens

Resource: Type Specimens

Collector: s.coll., #s.n.

Collection Date: 02-1908

Locality: Upper Burma.