Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Gokusing's Cleisocentron, Tonguespur Orchid

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Distribution: Borneo (Sabah)

Habitat: Mossy, lower montane forests; 5900ft (1800m)

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is .4" (1 cm) long with 6-15 crystalline, blue-grey flowers with a darker blue mark on the lip. Flowers are .6" (1.5 cm) across.

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): Year round

Foliage characteristics: Strap-like leaves are unequally bilobed.

Pollination syndrome: Possibly ants

Description: This is a true blue orchid, with crystalline flowers that can range from a very light white-blue, to darker shades. It is named for the collector, Linus Gokusing, who is a Malaysian orchid enthusiast especially interested in collecting plants from areas which are actively being logged.