Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1846
Citation Micro:
Pl. Hartw. : 222 (1846)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000499619
Common Names
- Heart-leaved Sphyrospermum
- Sphyrospermum cordifolium
- Cordifolium Sphyrospermum
Synonyms
- Sophoclesia cordifolia (Benth.) Klotzsch [valid]
- Sphyrospermum majus Griseb. [valid]
- Sophoclesia major (Griseb.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks. [valid]
- Sophoclesia mirandensis R.Knuth [invalid]
- Sophoclesia ovata Klotzsch [valid]
- Sophoclesia subscandens Klotzsch [valid]
- Sophoclesia cordifolia normalis Kuntze [valid]
- Sophoclesia domingensis Urb. & Ekman [valid]
- Sophoclesia flaccida Seem. [valid]
- Sophoclesia major (Griseb.) Benth. & Hook.f. [valid]
- Sophoclesia robusta Rusby [valid]
- Sophoclesia trinitensis Britton [valid]
- Themistoclesia valerioi (Standl.) Sleumer [valid]
Description
Sphyrospermum cordifolium (also called Heart-Leaved Sphyrospermum, among many other common names) is a small epiphytic orchid found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It has a short stem and two to three leaves. The flowers are small and white, with a yellowish-green labellum. It is found in humid, shady habitats, usually on tree trunks or branches.
Uses & Benefits
Sphyrospermum cordifolium is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used medicinally to treat fever, coughs, and digestive disorders.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Sphyrospermum cordifolium has small white flowers with five petals and a yellow centre. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and slender.
Cultivation and Propagation
Sphyrospermum cordifolium is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 m in height. It prefers well-drained soils in a sunny position and is drought tolerant. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a light, well-drained seed raising mix. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and should be semi-hardwood.
Where to Find Sphyrospermum cordifolium
Sphyrospermum cordifolium can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
Sphyrospermum cordifolium FAQ
What is the scientific name of Sphyrospermum cordifolium?
Sphyrospermum cordifolium
What is the common name of Sphyrospermum cordifolium?
No common name
What is the natural habitat of Sphyrospermum cordifolium?
It is found in tropical rainforests of India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia
Species in the Sphyrospermum genus
Sphyrospermum boekei,
Sphyrospermum buesii,
Sphyrospermum buxifolium,
Sphyrospermum campanulatum,
Sphyrospermum cordifolium,
Sphyrospermum dissimile,
Sphyrospermum distichum,
Sphyrospermum ellipticum,
Sphyrospermum flaviflorum,
Sphyrospermum grandifolium,
Sphyrospermum haughtii,
Sphyrospermum klotzschianum,
Sphyrospermum lanceolatum,
Sphyrospermum linearifolium,
Sphyrospermum longifolium,
Sphyrospermum microphyllum,
Sphyrospermum munchiqueense,
Sphyrospermum muscicola,
Sphyrospermum myrtifolium,
Sphyrospermum sessiliflorum,
Sphyrospermum sodiroi,
Sphyrospermum spruceanum,
Sphyrospermum standleyi,
Sphyrospermum tuberculatum,
Sphyrospermum weberbauerii,
Species in the Ericaceae family