Calanthe is a genus of terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, comprising about 170 species. It is widely distributed from central West Africa across tropical Asia and Australia to Tahiti. The genus Calathe can be divided into two groups: evergreen with small, corn-like pseudobulbs; and deciduous with large, angular pseudobulbs. Calanthe is commonly abbreviated as Cal. in horticulture term.
Calanthe bears large, plicate leaves and tall, erect, sometimes arching inflorescences. The inflorescence is with few or many showy flowers of white, pink, yellow, or orange color. The sepals and petals of the flower are narrow and equal in size, while the lip is several-lobed and is sometimes marked with protuberance or callosities. The union of the column and the lip is the characteristic feature of Calanthe.
Calanthe vestita is a deciduous, terrestrial orchid, 60cm tall. Its leaves are 30 cm long, broadly oval, ribbed and soft. In winter, it bears sprays of attractive white flowers. Each flower is about 4cm across, with a large, red-marked lip. During summer time, it require semi-shade and regular feeding.
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