Status:
valid
Authors:
Ridl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1940
Citation Micro:
Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1939: 596 (1940)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000281092
Common Names
- Porterandia catappifolia
- Catappifolia Porterandia
- Catappifolia's Porterandia
Description
Porterandia catappifolia (also called Cat-eyed Porterandia, among many other common names) is a species of orchid native to Central and South America. It has two erect leaves and a single flower with white petals and a yellow-green lip. It grows in wet forests and grasslands at elevations of up to 2,000 meters.
Uses & Benefits
Porterandia catappifolia is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colds, and digestive issues. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural dye for fabrics.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Porterandia catappifolia has white, star-shaped flowers with five petals and yellow anthers. The seeds are small, dark brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings have long, narrow leaves with pointed tips.
Cultivation and Propagation
Porterandia catappifolia is a tropical epiphytic orchid, native to Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. It requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It is best grown in a potting mix of bark and sphagnum moss. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. Propagation is done by division of the clumps of pseudobulbs, or by seed.
Where to Find Porterandia catappifolia
Porterandia catappifolia can be found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Porterandia catappifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Porterandia catappifolia?
Porterandia catappifolia
What type of plant is Porterandia catappifolia?
It is an epiphytic orchid
What are the growing conditions for Porterandia catappifolia?
It prefers high humidity and bright, indirect light
Species in the Porterandia genus
Porterandia anisophylla,
Porterandia catappifolia,
Porterandia glabrifolia,
Porterandia grandifolia,
Porterandia minor,
Porterandia pauciflora,
Porterandia scortechinii,
Porterandia subsessilis,
Porterandia beamanii,
Porterandia chanii,
Porterandia macroptera,
Porterandia puffii,
Porterandia bruneiensis,
Porterandia celebica,
Porterandia congestiflora,
Porterandia hosei,
Porterandia kalimantanensis,
Porterandia lambirensis,
Porterandia laxiflora,
Porterandia postarii,
Porterandia rarissima,
Porterandia dinghoui,
Species in the Rubiaceae family
Acranthera abbreviata,
Acranthera anamallica,
Acranthera athroophlebia,
Acranthera atropella,
Acranthera aurantiaca,
Acranthera axilliflora,
Acranthera bullata,
Acranthera capitata,
Acranthera ceylanica,
Acranthera didymocarpa,
Acranthera endertii,
Acranthera frutescens,
Acranthera grandiflora,
Acranthera hallieri,
Acranthera hirtostipula,
Acranthera involucrata,
Acranthera johannis-winkleri,
Acranthera lanceolata,
Acranthera longipes,
Acranthera longipetiolata,
Acranthera maculata,
Acranthera megaphylla,
Acranthera monantha,
Acranthera nieuwenhuisii,
Acranthera ophiorhizoides,
Acranthera parviflora,
Acranthera philippensis,
Acranthera ruttenii,
Acranthera salmonea,
Acranthera siamensis,
Acranthera siliquosa,
Acranthera simalurensis,
Acranthera sinensis,
Acranthera strigosa,
Acranthera tomentosa,
Acranthera variegata,
Acranthera velutinervia,
Acranthera yatesii,
Acranthera philippinensis,
Acranthera burmanica,
Acranthera virescens,
Acranthera hoangii,
Acranthera collina,
Acrobotrys discolor,
Acrosynanthus jamaicensis,
Acrosynanthus latifolius,
Acrosynanthus minor,
Acrosynanthus ovatus,
Acrosynanthus parvifolius,
Acrosynanthus revolutus,