Phalaenopsis

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Phalaenopsis Blume 1825

Tribe: VANDEAE

Subtribe: SARCANTHINAE

Type Species: Phalaenopsis amabilis Blume 1825

Country: Asia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea and Australia

From the Greek phalaina ( a moth ) and opsis( looks like ), referring to the moth like appearance of some of the flowers.

It is for the above reason Phalaenopsis are known as moth orchids. They are monopodial plants, related to Vandas and the like. Phalaenopsis will readily hybridize with other members of the Vandaceous complex.

Phalaenopsis is a genus of some 50 species which are found from India to Southeast Asia and the Philippines, and South to Northern Australia.

The species are epiphytic or lithophytic and inhabit areas from sea level to quite well up into the ranges.

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