Nervilia plicata
Submitted by wellsy on Mon, 31/03/2008 - 20:55
Score: 0.0, Votes: 0
Nervilia plicata (Andrews) Schltr.
Synonyms: Arethusa plicata Andrews
Cordyla discolor Blume
Rophostemon discolor (Blume) Blume
Epipactis plicata (Andrews) Roxb.
Pogonia plicata (Andrews) Lindl.
Nervilia discolor (Blume) Schltr.
Subtribe: Nerviliinae
Distribution: Australia
Nervilia plicata is a unique species, with a deciduous subterrainian tuber that produces the flower before the leaf. Very amenable to cultivation provided the tubers are rested dry afer the leaves fade away. Before spring, a repot into fresh gravelly soil and leafmould will promote healthy growth and flowers.
A little animal manure sprinkled on top of the fresh media may be of great benefit, and heavy watering until the leaves reach their maximum size is essential. Nervilia discolor will attain a leaf size to 15 to 20 cms diameter. Once the fabulous, hairy and wonderfully veined leaves have matured, less water is required until the leaf fades and water is totally withheld. During dormancy, the media should be dampened occasionally to prevent complete drying of the tubers.
Vote Result
Score: 0.0, Votes: 0
Nervilia
Wellsy,
Did you get this off of Ian Walters?. I bought one labelled N.discolor, Which I now know is N.plicata?.
Also, In Jones' "Native Orchids" It says that some nervilia come in either vegetative or flowering forms. I was wondering have yours ever flowered?.
Julz.
distribution
This plant is also found througout tropical Asia and New Guinea.
Yours must be Nervilia plicata var purpurea as photos on the net are green with white labellum.