Vanda coerulea

Also known as: Information to be completed

A medium to large-sized species of evergreen, tropical, epiphytic orchid, valued throught history for its unusual flowers. As a typical example of monopodial orchid, the new growth emerges from the tip on a long, central rhizome. Strap-shaped, green or dark green leaves angle out from the main stem, and as new leaves appear from top, older, lower leaves gradually fall off. Compared to other species, leaves are set higher on the alternate bracts, covering the main stem. A characteristic feature of the plant is an impressive root system that hangs downwards at the base of the plant. New root emerge from the central stem, following the ascending growing trend. Inflorescences emerge from axils of leaf sheaths and stem, and carry 5 -14 flowers. Plant may produce multiple, occasionally branched inflorescences, carrying up to 50 flowers in total. The number of flowers per stem depends on the age of plant. Three colour variations occur naturally, with the pale blue being most famous. Pure white and pale pink variations can also be found. Flowers are waxy, 10 cm wide, with typical tesselation, creating a characteristic pattern on the sepals and petals. The petals are twisted at the base, giving the plant a butterfly-like resemblance, described by many plant hunters and botanists.