Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Poales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
melanostachya
ID:
476807

Status:
valid

Authors:
Van der Veken

Source:
wcs

Year:
1955

Citation Micro:
Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 25: 143 (1955)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000476139

Common Names

  • Nelmesia melanostachya
  • Melanostachya Nelmesia
  • Melanostachya Orchid

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Description

Nelmesia melanostachya (also called Black-spike Orchid, among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It has a single, erect leaf and a single, erect flower stem. The flowers are white with a yellow lip, and the sepals and petals are fringed with black hairs. It grows in moist, shady forests, often in the understory of taller trees.

Uses & Benefits

Nelmesia melanostachya is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive foliage and showy flowers.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Nelmesia melanostachya has white flowers with yellow centers and a sweet fragrance. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and delicate.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Nelmesia melanostachya can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a light, well-drained soil. Division can be done in spring or early summer. The plant should be divided into several pieces, each with a few leaves and some roots. The divisions should be planted in a light, well-drained soil.

Where to Find Nelmesia melanostachya

Nelmesia melanostachya is native to Central and South America. It is typically found in moist soils in tropical and subtropical forests.

Nelmesia melanostachya FAQ

What is the scientific name of Nelmesia melanostachya?

Nelmesia melanostachya

What is the common name of Nelmesia melanostachya?

Black-spiked Nelmesia

Where is Nelmesia melanostachya found?

Nelmesia melanostachya is found in Mexico

Species in the Nelmesia genus

Species in the Cyperaceae family

Abildgaardia mexicana, Abildgaardia ovata, Abildgaardia schoenoides, Abildgaardia triflora, Abildgaardia oxystachya, Abildgaardia odontocarpa, Abildgaardia macrantha, Abildgaardia fusiformis, Abildgaardia pachyptera, Actinoschoenus repens, Actinoschoenus yunnanensis, Actinoschoenus aphyllus, Actinoscirpus grossus, Afrotrilepis jaegeri, Afrotrilepis pilosa, Amphiscirpus nevadensis, Arthrostylis aphylla, Arthrostylis planiculmis, Becquerelia clarkei, Becquerelia cymosa, Becquerelia discolor, Becquerelia merkeliana, Becquerelia muricata, Becquerelia tuberculata, Bisboeckelera irrigua, Bisboeckelera longifolia, Bisboeckelera microcephala, Bisboeckelera vinacea, Blysmus compressus, Blysmus mongolicola, Blysmus rufus, Blysmus sinocompressus, Bolboschoenoplectus mariqueter, Bolboschoenus caldwellii, Bolboschoenus capensis, Bolboschoenus fluviatilis, Bolboschoenus glaucus, Bolboschoenus grandispicus, Bolboschoenus laticarpus, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Bolboschoenus medianus, Bolboschoenus nobilis, Bolboschoenus novae-angliae, Bolboschoenus planiculmis, Bolboschoenus robustus, Bolboschoenus schmidii, Bolboschoenus stagnicola, Bolboschoenus yagara, Bolboschoenus koshevnikovii, Bolboschoenus biconcavus,

References

Paul A.J.B. Van der Veken (1928-2012): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Van der Veken' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:311236-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].