Status:
valid
Authors:
Dressler
Source:
wcs
Year:
1977
Citation Micro:
Orquideologia 12: 120 (1977)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000279943
Common Names
- Tortuous Polycycnis
- Tortuous Orchid
- Tortuous Spider Orchid
Synonyms
- Polycycnopsis tortuosa (Dressler) Szlach. [unknown]
Description
Polycycnis tortuosa (also called Twisted Polycycnis, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It has a creeping habit and grows to a maximum height of 0.5 meters. It has hairy stems and leaves with white flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas and is often found in forests and along riverbanks.
Uses & Benefits
Polycycnis tortuosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases, fever, and stomach ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polycycnis tortuosa has white flowers with a yellow center. The seeds are small and round, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polycycnis tortuosa is a perennial herb that can be grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Propagation is best done in the spring or early summer. Seeds should be sown in a sterile medium and kept moist until germination occurs. Cuttings can be taken from healthy stems and rooted in a moist medium. Once established, the plant can be divided to propagate.
Where to Find Polycycnis tortuosa
Polycycnis tortuosa is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, and can be found in the countries of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Polycycnis tortuosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polycycnis tortuosa?
Polycycnis tortuosa
What is the common name of Polycycnis tortuosa?
Tortuous Polycycnis
What is the natural habitat of Polycycnis tortuosa?
Tropical rainforests in Central and South America
Species in the Polycycnis genus
Polycycnis annectans,
Polycycnis aurita,
Polycycnis barbata,
Polycycnis escobariana,
Polycycnis lehmannii,
Polycycnis lepida,
Polycycnis muscifera,
Polycycnis pfisteri,
Polycycnis silvana,
Polycycnis surinamensis,
Polycycnis tortuosa,
Polycycnis villegasiana,
Polycycnis blancoi,
Polycycnis grayi,
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,