Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Genus:
Species:
purpurata
ID:
346501

Status:
valid

Authors:
A.Rich. & Galeotti

Source:
wcs

Year:
1845

Citation Micro:
Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 3, 3: 23 (1845)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000345833

Common Names

  • Purple Bletia
  • Purple Spider Orchid
  • Purple Spider Orchid

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Synonyms

  • Arethusa grandiflora S.Watson [unknown]
  • Arethusa rosea (Lindl.) Benth. ex Hemsl. [unknown]
  • Arethusa tigridiifolia Lex. [unknown]
  • Bletia rosea (Lindl.) Dressler [illegitimate]
  • Crybe rosea Lindl. [unknown]

Description

Bletia purpurata (also called Purple Bletia, among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid species native to Central America and the Caribbean. It has a single, upright stem with a single, large, purple flower. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in grasslands and open woodlands.

Uses & Benefits

Bletia purpurata is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a ground cover. It is also used as a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Bletia purpurata is a small, white or pinkish-white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, dark brown nutlet, with a single, long, white tail. The seedlings are small, with dark green leaves and a single white root.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Cultivation and propagation of Bletia purpurata: Bletia purpurata is a perennial plant that grows in moist, shady areas. It is best grown in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. It can be propagated by division in early spring or by seed. The seed should be sown in a cold frame in spring or autumn.

Where to Find Bletia purpurata

Bletia purpurata is found in the Mediterranean region, from Portugal to Turkey and in North Africa.

Bletia purpurata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Bletia purpurata?

Bletia purpurata

What is the common name of Bletia purpurata?

Purple bletia

What type of plant is Bletia purpurata?

Orchid

Species in the Orchidaceae family

Aa fiebrigii, Aa hartwegii, Aa hieronymi, Aa leucantha, Aa lorentzii, Aa macra, Aa achalensis, Aa maderoi, Aa mandonii, Aa matthewsii, Aa microtidis, Aa paleacea, Aa argyrolepis, Aa riobambae, Aa rosei, Aa schickendanzii, Aa sphaeroglossa, Aa trilobulata, Aa weddelliana, Aa aurantiaca, Aa calceata, Aa colombiana, Aa denticulata, Aa erosa, Aa figueroi, Aa lozanoi, Aa lehmannii, Acampe carinata, Acampe cephalotes, Acampe ochracea, Acampe pachyglossa, Acampe praemorsa, Acampe joiceyana, Acampe hulae, Acanthophippium bicolor, Acanthophippium chrysoglossum, Acanthophippium curtisii, Acanthophippium eburneum, Acanthophippium gougahense, Acanthophippium javanicum, Acanthophippium lilacinum, Acanthophippium mantinianum, Acanthophippium parviflorum, Acanthophippium pictum, Acanthophippium splendidum, Acanthophippium striatum, Acanthophippium sylhetense, Acanthophippium curtisii, Achlydosa glandulosa, Acianthera aculeata,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-22581: Based on the initial data import
Achille Richard (1794-1852): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.Rich.' in the authors string.
Henri Guillaume Galeotti (1814-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Galeotti' in the authors string.