Taxon

Ludisia discolor

 
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Ludisia discolor - Jewel Orchid, Twisty-Flowered Orchid, Variegated Orchid, Rock Lotus Root, Rock Silk Worm
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Common name: Jewel Orchid, Twisty-Flowered Orchid, Variegated Orchid, Rock Lotus Root, Rock Silk Worm
Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Orchidoideae
Synonym: Haemaria discolor, Ludisia dawsoniana, Ludisia discolor var. alba, Ludisia discolor var. dawsoniana
Distribution: S China to Sumatera and Philippines
Habitat: Humid, shady, lowland forests near rivers; 230-3600ft (70-1100m)
Life form: Terrestrial
Foliage characteristics: Dark green, 2-3" (5-7.6 cm) long leaves with criss crossing lines that run the length of the leaf and some speckling.
Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is 4-12" (10-30 cm) long with 10-25 densly blooming white flowers that last 2-3 weeks. The column and lip of the flower are twisted in opposite directions. Flowers are .75" (1.7 cm) across.
Fragrance: Fragrant
Medicinal/pharmaceutical: Was used in Hong Kong for medicinal purposes.
Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): Year round; peaks in December through March
Pollination syndrome: Butterfly (Pieris rapae, Pleisconeura asmara), reward
Plant size: 10-18" x 6-10" (25-46 x 15-25 cm)
Description: Ludisia discolor is one of many orchids called "Jewel orchid," because it is grown for its beautiful leaves rather than its flowers. Commonly grown for terrariums, L. discolor defies the stereotype of finicky, difficult to grow orchids. If you wish to grow more of this orchid, simply take a piece of the pseudobulb, stick it in dirt or a glass of water, and wait for roots to appear in a few weeks.
Comments: Ludisia discolor
Links: Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families • Research Gate

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