Taxon

Grammatophyllum scriptum

 
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Grammatophyllum scriptum - The Written Grammatophyllum
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Common name: The Written Grammatophyllum
Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)
Synonym: Grammatophyllum scriptum var. album, Grammatophyllum scriptum var. citrinum 'Hihimanu', Grammatophyllum scriptum var. citrinum 'Kensington', Grammatophyllum scriptum var. scriptum
Distribution: Maluku to Santa Cruz Islands
Habitat: Close to the coast, overhanging water; 0-300ft (0-100m)
Hardiness: 30 - 40 F
Life form: Epiphytic
Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): April to September
Bloom characteristics: Erect to arching inflorescence is 24-48" (61-122 cm) long with 100 waxy green flowers covered in large brown spots. Flowers are 1.75" (4.5 cm) across.
Ethnobotanical uses: In Ternate, Indonesia, highborn women (such as those related to kings) wore these flowers in their hair. It was considered an affront for any other woman to wear them.
The Ambonese made a love potion from this plant.
Medicinal/pharmaceutical: People in this plant's range used it to heal sores, reduce inflamation, treat dysentery and worms, and treat skin diseases of infants.
Fragrance: Fragrant (pleasant)
Description: This orchid is often considered to be one of the largest of all orchid species. It takes its name from the dark pattern on its flower petals.
Comments: Grammatophyllum scriptum
Links: Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families

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