I have been having a real hard time deciding which orchids to blog about, you'd think it would be real easy, but it isn't somehow. So for today I just picked from my top ten favorite. Paraphalaenopsis labukensi.
But what is it that makes this particular flower unique. The answer is simple, it has really super cool flowers! Do you like the smell of cinnamon? Because that's exactly what this flower smells like, delicious cinnamon. They grow in 5-15 inflorescence with ovate-triangular floral bracts. (IOSPE PHOTOS, 2001). The leaves are pendant and cylindrical and can grow up to 2 meters long. (Gary Yong Gee, 2011)
Paraphalaenopsis are in the Vandeae tribe, and used to be included in the genus Phalaenopsis. However due to the radical differences in morphological feature Paraphalaenopsis have been given their own genus and a place is the Phalaenopsis alliance (Wikipedia, 2011). Paraphalaenopsis labukensis are native to Malaysia where they grow on rocks at an elevation of 500-1000m. (Gary Yong Gee, 2011).
Evidently these orchids are very easy to grow, just treat them like you would a conventional Phalaenopsis. Keep them moist with moderate sunlight and they ought to do just fine. Many people grow them on slabs but they can be grown in a container with bark mix or sphagnum moss. (Gary Yong Gee, 2011). After writing this blog, I really want one of these! They are one of the coolest orchids I have done so far, I have always liked them but after reading all of the habit info I think I have a new love!
Works Cited
"IOSPE PHOTOS." Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia. Web. 09 Feb. 2011. <http://www.orchidspecies.com/paralabukensis.htm>.
"Paraphalaenopsis Labukensis Shim, A. Lamb & C.L. Chan." Orchid Photographs by Gary Yong Gee. Web. 09 Feb. 2011. <http://www.yonggee.name/Notes/Paraphal_labuk.htm>.
"Paraphalaenopsis." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 09 Feb. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraphalaenopsis>.
