Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
testudo
ID:
639540

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Karw. ex Zucc.) Britton & Rose

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1920

Citation Micro:
Cactaceae 2: 213. 1920.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000638872

Common Names

  • Deamia testudo
  • Testudo Deamia
  • Tortoise Deamia

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Description

Deamia testudo (also called Turtle Orchid, among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid species found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It has an underground tuberous root system and a single leaf which is long and narrow. The flower is white with purple spots and has a unique shape that resembles a turtle shell. It is found in humid, tropical climates and grows in the understory of the rainforest.

Uses & Benefits

Debemia testudo is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin ailments and digestive issues.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Deamia testudo are white or pink, with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings have long, thin stems and small, oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Deamia testudo is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 8 feet in height. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by cuttings, which should be taken in early summer and rooted in a sandy soil mix. Seeds can also be used for propagation, but they may take longer to germinate.

Where to Find Deamia testudo

Debaemia testudo can be found in the tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Deamia testudo FAQ

What is the scientific name of Deamia testudo?

Deamia testudo

What is the common name of Deamia testudo?

Turtle Deamia

What is the natural habitat of Deamia testudo?

Tropical and subtropical rainforests of Central America

Species in the Deamia genus

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,

References

Nathaniel Lord Britton (1859-1934): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Britton' in the authors string.
Joseph Nelson Rose (1862-1928): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Rose' in the authors string.
Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini (1797-1848): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Zucc.' in the authors string.
Wilhelm Friedrich von Karwinsky (1780-1855): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Karw.' in the authors string.