flora

Classification
Kingdom : Plantae Order : Asparagales
Family : Orchidaceae Genus : Rhynchostylis
Species: : Rhynchostylis retusa Blume
Common Name (English): fox tail orchid
Common Name (Sinhala) : “Gurulu raja”
Flora of the Week
Source: Redlist 2007
Special features
Flower of This plant is named as the provincial flower of the Uwa Province. The plant can be easily identified by its attractive inflorescences.
Distribution
The plant in indigenous to Sri Lanka and can be found in Eastern and Uwa provinces on large trees of dry zone low country savannahs. It is also found in countries like India, Java, Malaysia and Myanmar. This is the only plant belongs to genus Rhynchostylis in Sri Lanka.
Description
It is a epiphytic orchid. Stem is woody and up to 25 cm in height. Stem is obscured by crowded leaf bases. Leaves are long, about 15 – 37cm spreading to either side of the stem alternatively, curving downwards. Inflorescence is a compact drooping racemes. Flowers small up to 2 cm broad numerous, white spotted with violet pink tightly packed all round and obscuring the pendulous 20 -30 cm long stalk. Flowers can be seen from November to April.
Threatened status
Vulnerable VU.
Users
Plant is grown in gardens due to the attractive nature of the inflorescence. The plant also collected for medicinal value.
Conservation Status
This plant in protected under Fauna and Flora Protected Ordinance and CITES Convention Appendix II.
References:
Dassanayake, M. D. & Fosberg, F. R. (eds.) (1980 - 1991). Revised handbook to the flora of Ceylon, Vols. II. Amerind Publ., New Delhi.
Redlist 2007
Kottegoda.S.R(1994). Flowers of Sri Lanka.The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka.
Beautiful wild flowers of Sri Lanka,(1995) Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya , Sri Lanka.
Fernando M, Wijesundara S and Fernando S (2003) Orchids of Sri Lanka, International Union for Conservation of Nature