Status:
valid
Authors:
(A.Gray) McDonnell & Fishbein
Source:
wcvp
Year:
2017
Citation Micro:
Phytologia 99(2): 86. 2017 [9 May 2017] [epublished]
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001424532
Description
Polystemma cordifolium (also called 'Heart-leaved Orchid', among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It has a single stem with heart-shaped leaves and produces small, white flowers with yellow centers. It grows in moist, shady places such as rainforests and cloud forests.
Uses & Benefits
Polystemma cordifolium is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and can be used as a groundcover in shady areas. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Polystemma cordifolium is a small, white-green flower with a reddish-brown labellum. The seed is a small, black, ovoid shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single, upright leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polystemma cordifolium can be propagated from seed or by division. When sowing seeds, use a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate in 1-2 weeks. When propagating by division, divide the plant in spring or early summer and replant the divisions in well-draining soil. Polystemma cordifolium prefers partial shade and should be grown in a sheltered location.
Where to Find Polystemma cordifolium
Polystemma cordifolium can be found in the wild in India.
Polystemma cordifolium FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polystemma cordifolium?
Polystemma cordifolium
What is the common name of Polystemma cordifolium?
Cordifolious Polystemma
What is the natural habitat of Polystemma cordifolium?
Tropical rainforests
Species in the Polystemma genus
Species in the Apocynaceae family
Acokanthera laevigata,
Acokanthera oblongifolia,
Acokanthera oppositifolia,
Acokanthera rotundata,
Acokanthera schimperi,
Adenium boehmianum,
Adenium multiflorum,
Adenium obesum,
Adenium oleifolium,
Adenium swazicum,
Adenium dhofarense,
Aganosma breviloba,
Aganosma cymosa,
Aganosma gracilis,
Aganosma lacei,
Aganosma petelotii,
Aganosma schlechteriana,
Aganosma siamensis,
Aganosma wallichii,
Aganosma heynei,
Alafia alba,
Alafia barteri,
Alafia benthamii,
Alafia berrieri,
Alafia calophylla,
Alafia caudata,
Alafia erythrophthalma,
Alafia falcata,
Alafia fuscata,
Alafia insularis,
Alafia intermedia,
Alafia landolphioides,
Alafia lucida,
Alafia microstylis,
Alafia multiflora,
Alafia nigrescens,
Alafia orientalis,
Alafia parciflora,
Alafia pauciflora,
Alafia perrieri,
Alafia schumannii,
Alafia thouarsii,
Alafia vallium,
Alafia verschuereni,
Alafia whytei,
Alafia zambesiaca,
Allamanda calcicola,
Allamanda angustifolia,
Allamanda blanchetii,
Allamanda cathartica,
References
Angela McDonnell: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'McDonnell' in the authors string.