Calanthe decora M.W.Chase, Christenh. & Schuit., Phytotaxa 472: 162 (2020).
Homotypic Names:
Gastrorchis pulchra Humbert & H.Perrier, Mém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 6: 259 (1955).
Phaius pulcher (Humbert & H.Perrier) Summerh., Kew Bull. 17: 560 (1964).
Description:
A large sympodial terrestrial.
Pseudobulb:
Small. The pseudobulbs are spaced about 1.5 in. (4 cm) apart on the rhizome.
Leaves:
3-4 per growth. The leaves are 12-24 in. (30-61 cm) long and very narrow, particularly on var. perrieri.
Inflorescence:
61-122 cm long. Flowers emerge near the apex of the spikes, which arise from nodes on the side of the pseudobulb.
Flowers:
6-8. The blossoms are approximately 1.5 in. (4 cm) across. Var. perrieri may have up to 15 smaller flowers. The sepals and petals are white, while the lip may be white or rose-to-violet with white margins.
Habitat:
It grows in shady, humid forests at 2624-5576 ft. (800-1700 m), which normally implies adaptability. The plant is found in only 2 locations on the island, at the warmer, northern location it grows at higher elevations, and at the cooler, southern end it is found at lower elevations . The climate information given here represents the southern location and the records are adjusted to the median elevation for that location.
Culture
Read more of cultivation of Calanthe decora M.W.Chase, Christenh. & Schuit.
Distribution:
N. Madagascar
References:
Orchids of Madagascar Hermans 2007; Field Guide to the Orchids of Madagascar Cribb & Herman 2009; Expansion of Calanthe to include the species of Cephalantheropsis, Gastrorchis and Phaius (Collabieae; Orchidaceae), Vol. 472 No. 2: 23 November 2020 Phytotaxa
Images:
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In culture	In culture	In culture	In culture
Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Karl Senghas© Swiss Orchid Foundation at the Herbarium Jany Renz Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Karl Senghas© Swiss Orchid Foundation at the Herbarium Jany Renz Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Karl Senghas© Swiss Orchid Foundation at the Herbarium Jany Renz Image used with kind permission.