Family: Orchidaceae
Author: (Hook.) Rchb.f.
Bibliography: W.G.Walpers, Ann. Bot. Syst. 6: 640 (1863)
Year: 1863
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polystachya
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Lesser Yellowspike Orchid, scientifically known as Polystachya foliosa, is a remarkable member of the Orchidaceae family. First documented by the botanist W.G.Walpers in his comprehensive work, Annals of Botany Systematics (Volume 6, 1863), this orchid owes its initial identification to esteemed botanists (Hook.) Rchb.f.
Polystachya foliosa is indigenous to a range stretching from Mexico through tropical regions of America. This wide distribution highlights its adaptability to various tropical climates, making it an intriguing subject for botanists and orchid enthusiasts alike.
The plant typically flourishes in its natural habitat, which spans across diverse tropical environments. This orchid is particularly renowned for its vibrant yellow spikes of blossoms, a feature that not only gives it its common name, Lesser Yellowspike Orchid, but also renders it a striking and exotic addition to tropical flora.
As a member of the Orchidaceae family, Polystachya foliosa shares many characteristics typical of orchids. However, it stands out with its unique floral arrangements and coloration that attract pollinators and admirers. The ecological significance and beauty of this orchid underscore its importance in tropical ecosystems.
In summary, Polystachya foliosa, with its captivating yellow spikes and extensive range from Mexico to tropical America, represents an enchanting example of the biodiversity within the Orchidaceae family. This extraordinary plant continues to be a subject of study and admiration in the botanical world.
Common Names
Eng: lesser yellowspike orchid
En: Lesser yellowspike orchid
Synonyms
- Polystachya panamensis (Schltr.)
- Polystachya costaricensis (Schltr.)
- Polystachya fariae (Campacci)
- Polystachya estrellensis (Rchb.f.)
- Polystachya caracasana (Rchb.f.)
- Dendrorkis caracasana ((Rchb.f.) Kuntze)
- Polystachya nana (Klotzsch)
- Polystachya foliosa var. triandra (Sauleda & R.M.Adams)
- Polystachya ecuadorensis (Schltr.)
- Polystachya poeppigii (Schltr.)
- Polystachya powellii (Ames)
- Polystachya guatemalensis (Schltr.)
- Stelis foliosa (Hook.)
- Polystachya altilamellata (Schltr.)
- Polystachya edwallii (Hoehne & Schltr.)
- Polystachya bradei (Schltr. ex Mansf.)
- Polystachya amazonica (Schltr.)
- Polystachya huebneri (Schltr.)
- Dendrorkis estrellensis ((Rchb.f.) Kuntze)
- Epidendrum minimum (Aubl.)
- Polystachya abbreviata (Rchb.f.)
- Dendrorkis foliosa ((Hook.) Kuntze)
- Polystachya micrantha (Schltr.)
- Polystachya minor (Fawc. & Rendle)
- Polystachya weigeltii (Rchb.f.)
- Encyclia polystachya (Poepp. & Endl.)
- Polystachya rupicola (Brade)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Josemanuel Trujillo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Josemanuel Trujillo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Josemanuel Trujillo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Josemanuel Trujillo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Josemanuel Trujillo (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2792004)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1061901-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polystachya foliosa (Hook.) Rchb.f.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
