Rhynchostylis


Rhynchostylis is a genus in the orchid family, closely allied to the genus Vanda and comprising four currently accepted species native to the Indian subcontinent, China, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Etymology

The name consists of a compound of two Greek elements : rhynchos 'beak' and stylis 'column' – in reference to the very broad, fleshy column of the flower.

Description

The flowers are borne in dense racemes and are noted for their intense, spicy fragrance. Although lacking in pseudobulbs, the plants have leathery leaves that are drought-resistant.
These orchids grow naturally in warm, moist, shaded tropical areas and will thrive in cultivation if given consistent warmth, uniform moisture and bright, but indirect light. Hobbyists wanting to grow them will need a warm, humid growing environment with gentle air movement. They can be grown in pots, but are better grown in baskets, owing to the extreme fleshiness of their roots. Their unusually fragrant blooms often appear in the slightly cooler winter months.

Cultivation

Despite being in the Vanda tribe, they are very different from vandas. They grow more slowly, their roots are more fragile, and almost any direct sun will harm them. However, they are typically grown with no potting mix on slat baskets or mounted in the same way as vandas.

Uses

The genus possesses valuable medicinal properties meriting in-depth pharmacological investigation, including antispasmodic and antiseptic activity. Several species have been found to contain alkaloids.

Taxonomy

Placement in subtribe Aeridinae

The Subtribe was changed from Sarcanthinae to Aeridinae in 1972.

Species

As of December 2023, four species are recognized:

Formerly included

  • Rhynchostylis coelestis A.H. Kent is now a synonym of Vanda coelestis Motes.