Status:
valid
Authors:
Toill.-Gen. & Bosser
Source:
wcs
Year:
1961
Citation Micro:
Adansonia , n.s., 1: 103 (1961)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000934915
Common Names
- Cynorkis mellitula
- Mellitula Cynorkis
- Mellitula Spider Orchid
Description
Cynorkis mellitula (also called Mellitula Cynorkis, among many other common names) is a terrestrial orchid species native to Madagascar. It grows in wet montane forests at elevations of 1000-2000 m. It has a single, erect, slender, leafless stem that is 10-30 cm tall and bears a single, terminal, star-shaped flower.
Uses & Benefits
Cynorkis mellitula is used in traditional medicine for treating skin diseases, as an antispasmodic, and as a diuretic. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Cynorkis mellitula has white flowers with yellow and purple markings. The seed is small and round with a dark brown color. The seedlings have long, thin stems and oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cynorkis mellitula can be propagated by division or by seed. It should be planted in a well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Where to Find Cynorkis mellitula
Cynorkis mellitula is native to Madagascar and can be found in the eastern and northern regions of the country.
Species in the Cynorkis genus
Cynorkis comorensis,
Cynorkis subtilis,
Cynorkis cadetii,
Cynorkis lindleyana,
Cynorkis mirabile,
Cynorkis alborubra,
Cynorkis ambondrombensis,
Cynorkis ampullacea,
Cynorkis ampullifera,
Cynorkis anacamptoides,
Cynorkis andohahelensis,
Cynorkis andringitrana,
Cynorkis angustipetala,
Cynorkis anisoloba,
Cynorkis aphylla,
Cynorkis arnottioides,
Cynorkis aurantiaca,
Cynorkis bardotiana,
Cynorkis baronii,
Cynorkis bathiei,
Cynorkis betsileensis,
Cynorkis bimaculata,
Cynorkis boinana,
Cynorkis boryana,
Cynorkis brachycentra,
Cynorkis brachyceras,
Cynorkis brachystachya,
Cynorkis brevicalcar,
Cynorkis brevicornu,
Cynorkis breviplectra,
Cynorkis buchananii,
Cynorkis buchwaldiana,
Cynorkis calanthoides,
Cynorkis calcaripotens,
Cynorkis cardiophylla,
Cynorkis catatii,
Cynorkis clarae,
Cynorkis clavata,
Cynorkis coccinelloides,
Cynorkis commersoniana,
Cynorkis commersonii,
Cynorkis compacta,
Cynorkis confusa,
Cynorkis constellata,
Cynorkis cordemoyi,
Cynorkis crispa,
Cynorkis cuneilabia,
Cynorkis cylindrostachys,
Cynorkis debilis,
Cynorkis decaryana,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,