Vanilla walkeriae
| Vanilla walkeriae | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Vanilloideae |
| Genus: | Vanilla |
| Species: | V. walkeriae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Vanilla walkeriae | |
Vanilla walkeriae is a species of vanilla orchid native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows in forest and jungle habitat. It is considered to be a rare species.[1]
Description
[edit]This species is an epiphyte with thick, succulent, rooting stems up to 15 meters long that climbs on trees and shrubs. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 3.7 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a large raceme of many flowers. The flower can be up to 6.8 centimeters wide and has wavy-edged white petals. The fruit is a thin capsule up to 15 centimeters long.[1]
The scientific name commemorates Anna Maria Walker of Sri Lanka with whom Robert Wight collaborated.
Uses
[edit]The plant is used in the traditional veterinary medicine practices of the Irulas in India. Stem paste is fed to cattle to treat fever and as a nutritional supplement.[2]
Conservation
[edit]The species is threatened by habitat destruction.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Vanilla walkeriae. Biodiversity India.
- ^ a b Balasubramaniam, P., et al. (2000). Notes on the distribution & ethnobotany of some medicinal orchids in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Zoos' Print Journal 15(11), 368.
External links
[edit]- Vanilla walkeriae illustration. Swiss Orchid Foundation.
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