Orchid  (Phalaenopsis gigantea)

This epiphytic orchid is known locally as 'elephant ears' due to the enormous, olive- green leaves of this species (2). Five or six large, waxy leaves hang from the stems of the orchid from its position above the ground, supported on tree branches. The pale yellow-green inflorescence (or flower stem) also dangles from the plant; in season, this bears many, small fragrant flowers and the record is 97 on a single spike (3). The petals and sepals of the flower are brightly coloured with a yellow/white background that is heavily marked with purple-brown bars (2). Three different colour varieties are known: a reddish brown pattern on a white background, reddish brown on yellow, and pale brown on yellow (2). The flower lip has three lobes; the outer ones are sickle-shaped and have a row of yellow-orange teeth (2).

This orchid is currently known from Sabah and Kalimantan on the island of Borneo in South East Asia (2). Previously, Phalaeonpsis gigantea was also found on the nearby island of Java in Indonesia (3).

Found in primary rainforest (3), up to 400 metres above sea level (2).

Phalaeonpsis gigantea lives up to its species name, producing the largest plants in the genus. Due to their large size however, these plants tend to be slow growing (2). The flowers of each plant usually open simultaneously, producing an extremely impressive display (3).

This species is under threat from the demand for mature plants in the horticulture trade. Due to the long time that it takes seedlings to reach maturity, wild plants tend to be collected to meet the demand, and Phalaeonpsis gigantea could easily be brought to extinction purely from collection (2). Large numbers of this species were previously known from Borneo and Java but it has suffered greatly from over-collection (3).

Due to the life history characteristics of this species, it may be necessary to control trade in order to preserve this magnificent orchid in the wild (2). Trade is restricted at present, due to the listing of Phalaenopsis gigantea on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (4).

Authenticated (5/6/03) by Dr Phillip Cribb. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
http://www.rbgkew.org.uk