Status:
valid
Authors:
P.J.Cribb
Source:
wcs
Year:
1985
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 40: 407 (1985)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000243052
Common Names
- Microcoelia ornithocephala
- Bird-headed Microcoelia
- Bird-headed Jewel Orchid
Description
Microcoelia ornithocephala (also called Bird's-Head Microcoelia, among many other common names) is a species of orchid found in tropical Africa. It has an upright stem and a single, long-lasting, fragrant flower. The plant grows in moist forests and on cliffs, usually at elevations of 500-1000 m.
Uses & Benefits
Microcoelia ornithocephala is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headache, and stomachache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Microcoelia ornithocephala is white with a yellow lip. The seed is a capsule containing many small seeds. The seedlings are small and have a single leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Microcoelia ornithocephala is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 15 feet tall. It prefers a warm, humid climate and full sun to partial shade. Propagation is best done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood and rooted in a moist, well-drained soil mix.
Where to Find Microcoelia ornithocephala
Microcoelia ornithocephala is native to India.
Microcoelia ornithocephala FAQ
What is the scientific name of Microcoelia ornithocephala?
Microcoelia ornithocephala
What are the common names of Microcoelia ornithocephala?
Bird's-head Orchid
What is the natural habitat of Microcoelia ornithocephala?
Tropical rainforests
Species in the Microcoelia genus
Microcoelia aphylla,
Microcoelia aurantiaca,
Microcoelia bispiculata,
Microcoelia bulbocalcarata,
Microcoelia caespitosa,
Microcoelia corallina,
Microcoelia decaryana,
Microcoelia dolichorrhiza,
Microcoelia elliotii,
Microcoelia exilis,
Microcoelia gilpiniae,
Microcoelia globulosa,
Microcoelia hirschbergii,
Microcoelia jonssonii,
Microcoelia koehleri,
Microcoelia konduensis,
Microcoelia leptostele,
Microcoelia macrantha,
Microcoelia macrorrhynchium,
Microcoelia megalorrhiza,
Microcoelia microglossa,
Microcoelia moreauae,
Microcoelia nyungwensis,
Microcoelia obovata,
Microcoelia ornithocephala,
Microcoelia perrieri,
Microcoelia physophora,
Microcoelia sanfordii,
Microcoelia smithii,
Microcoelia stolzii,
Microcoelia cornuta,
Microcoelia grahamii,
Microcoelia longipes,
Microcoelia africana,
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,