Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Monocots
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Tribe: Vandeae
- Subtribe: Aeridinae
- Genus: Papilionanthe
- Species: Papilionanthe teres (Lindl.) Garay
Synonyms
- Vanda teres Lindl.
- Papilionanthe hookeriana var. teres (Lindl.) Garay
Description
Papilionanthe teres is an epiphytic orchid characterized by slender, wiry stems that can reach 30–60 cm in length. The leaves are linear, leathery, and arranged alternately along the stem. Inflorescences arise laterally from the upper portion of the stem, bearing one to several flowers. The flowers are typically 5–7 cm across, displaying a pale to deep yellow or greenish hue with a distinctive brown or maroon central blotch on the lip (labellum). The labellum is three-lobed, with the lateral lobes often bearing marginal calli. The column is short, and the pollinia are paired, typical of the Vandeae tribe.
Distribution and Habitat
Papilionanthe teres is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. Its range includes:
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Thailand
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Peninsular Malaysia
- Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo)
The species grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and large branches in lowland and hill forests, typically at elevations from sea level up to 800 m. It prefers humid, warm environments with good air circulation and moderate to bright indirect light.
Ecology
The flowers are fragrant, especially in the evening, and are pollinated primarily by insects such as bees and possibly hawkmoths. The plant’s fleshy roots and pseudobulb-like stems store water, enabling it to withstand periods of drought common in its canopy habitat.
Cultivation
Papilionanthe teres is cultivated by orchid enthusiasts for its attractive flowers and relatively easy growth requirements. Key cultural notes include:
- Substrate: A coarse, well‑draining medium such as a mix of bark, charcoal, and perlite.
- Watering: Regular watering during active growth, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings; reduced watering in winter dormancy.
- Light: Bright, filtered light; direct midday sun may cause leaf burn.
- Temperature: Warm conditions, ideally 22–30 °C (72–86 °F) day and 18–22 °C (64–72 °F) night.
- Humidity: 60–80 % relative humidity, with good air movement.
Propagation is commonly achieved through division of mature clumps or by seed germination in sterile laboratory conditions.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not assessed Papilionanthe teres specifically. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and land‑use change in parts of its native range may pose localized threats. Ex situ conservation through orchid collections and tissue culture contributes to the species’ preservation.
References
- Garay, L.A. (1972). "The Genus Papilionanthe (Orchidaceae)." American Orchid Society Bulletin.
- Seidenfaden, G. (1995). Orchidaceae of Thailand. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Orchidaceae of the World Database (2023). Entry for Papilionanthe teres.
