Categories: Orchidaceae

Christmas orchid (Calanthe triplicata, Philipp. J. Sci., C 2: 326 (1907))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Willemet) Ames

Bibliography: Philipp. J. Sci., C 2: 326 (1907)

Year: 1907

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calanthe

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific

Description

The Christmas orchid, scientifically known as Calanthe triplicata, is a captivating species within the diverse Orchidaceae family. This tropical and subtropical orchid is noteworthy for its widespread presence ranging from Asia to the Pacific, charming plant enthusiasts with its graceful allure and resilience.

Calanthe triplicata was first formally documented in 1907, as noted in the periodical Philipp. J. Sci., C 2: 326 (1907) by the botanist Ames, who recognized its botanical intricacies and classified it accordingly. The orchid is often attributed to Willemet from earlier discoveries but was later refined and acknowledged in Ames’s comprehensive studies.

The Christmas orchid thrives in humid environments typical of tropical and subtropical regions. It has adapted well to diverse conditions across its natural habitat, making it a prominent feature in the forests and mountainous terrains where it grows.

The plant is particularly admired for its perennial beauty. The striking flowers are usually white and sometimes faintly tinted with yellow or green, appearing in dense, elegant clusters. These blooms often coincide with the festive season, hence its common name, creating a natural spectacle that celebrates the spirit of Christmas with a display of delicate and pristine petals. The leaves of Calanthe triplicata are broad and pleated, enhancing its ornamental appeal.

As a member of the Orchidaceae family, the Christmas orchid is part of a lineage famed for their complexity and beauty. These orchids play a crucial role in both horticultural and ecological spheres, often serving as indicators of environmental health and contributors to the rich biodiversity of their native regions.

Cultivation of Calanthe triplicata requires careful attention to mimic its natural environment. Gardeners seeking to grow this orchid should ensure ample humidity, shade, and well-draining soil to replicate the orchid’s tropical habitat. Proper care results in a rewarding experience as the plant flourishes and produces its seasonal blooms.

In summary, the Christmas orchid, Calanthe triplicata, is a treasured species that captures the essence of its native landscapes. Its widespread distribution from Asia to the Pacific, coupled with its enduring beauty, makes it a celebrated member of the Orchidaceae family. Whether appreciated in the wild or cultivated in gardens, this orchid continues to enchant those who behold its understated elegance.

Common Names

En: Christmas orchid, The Christmas Orchid
Zh: 三褶虾脊兰, 白鶴蘭, 白鹤兰
Ru: Каланта трёхскладчатая
Zh-tw: 白鶴蘭
Zh-hant: 白鶴蘭
Vi: Kiều hoa xếp ba
: White calanthe

Synonyms

Calanthe bracteosa (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe brevicolumna (Hayata)
Calanthe breviflos (Ridl.)
Calanthe australasica (D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem.)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. kennyi (F.M.Bailey)
Calanthe orthocentron (Schltr.)
Calanthe triantherifera (Nadeaud)
Calanthe furcata f. albomarginata (K.Nakaj.)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. dupliciloba (J.J.Sm.)
Orchis triplicata (Willemet)
Alismorkis veratrifolia (Kuntze)
Calanthe triplicata var. minahassae (Schltr.)
Alismorkis diploxiphion ((Hook.f.) Kuntze)
Bletia quadrifida (Hook.f.)
Limodorum ventricosum (Steud.)
Calanthe nephroglossa (Schltr.)
Calanthe triplicata var. gracillima ((Lindl.) N.Hallé)
Calanthe rubicallosa (Masam.)
Calanthe proboscidea (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe furcata f. albolineata (K.Nakaj.)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. lilacina (Hassk.)
Calanthe triplicata f. purpureoflora (S.S.Ying)
Calanthe pubescens (Ridl.)
Calanthe furcata (Bateman ex Lindl.)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. stenochila (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. timorensis (J.J.Sm.)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. australis (Linden)
Calanthe triplicata f. albolineata ((K.Nakaj.) Hatus.)
Calanthe angraeciflora (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe anchorifera (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe triplicata f. albomarginata ((K.Nakaj.) K.Nakaj.)
Calanthe petri (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe anthropophora (Ridl.)
Calanthe furcata f. brevicolumna ((Hayata) M.Hiroe)
Calanthe triplicata var. angraeciflora ((Rchb.f.) N.Hallé)
Calanthe matsumurana (Schltr.)
Amblyglottis veratrifolia (Blume)
Calanthe veratrifolia var. cleistogama (Schltr.)
Alismorkis furcata ((Bateman ex Lindl.) Kuntze)
Alismorkis gracillima ((Lindl.) Kuntze)
Calanthe muelleri (Kraenzl.)
Alismorkis angraeciflora ((Rchb.f.) Kuntze)
Calanthe veratrifolia (R.Br. ex Ker Gawl.)
Calanthe diploxiphion (Hook.f.)
Calanthe colorans (Rchb.f.)
Calanthe gracillima (Lindl.)
Calanthe catilligera (Rchb.f.)

Distribution

Andaman Is. (native)
Assam (native)
Bismarck Archipelago (native)
Borneo (native)
Cambodia (native)
Caroline Is. (native)
China South-Central (native)
China Southeast (native)
East Himalaya (native)
Fiji (native)
Hainan (native)
India (native)
Jawa (native)
Kazan-retto (native)
Laos (native)
Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
Malaya (native)
Maluku (native)
Marianas (native)
Myanmar (native)
Nansei-shoto (native)
New Caledonia (native)
New Guinea (native)
New South Wales (native)
Norfolk Is. (native)
Ogasawara-shoto (native)
Philippines (native)
Queensland (native)
Samoa (native)
Society Is. (native)
Solomon Is. (native)
Sri Lanka (native)
Sulawesi (native)
Sumatera (native)
Taiwan (native)
Thailand (native)
Tonga (native)
Tubuai Is. (native)
Vanuatu (native)
Vietnam (native)
Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)