Rank Species | Subtribe Cyrtopodiinae Higher classification Eulophia | |
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Similar Eulophia, Orchids, Eulophia streptopetala, Orthochilus ensatus, Eulophia guineensis | ||
Eulophia speciosa is a species of terrestrial orchid found from Ethiopia to South Africa and in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The plants usually grow in grasslands in sandy soils or in clay.
Contents
Description
The fleshy, lanceolate leaves arise from underground corms/pseudobulbs. The leafless flowering shoot is about 0.4-0.8 m (up to 1.2m) tall, with up to 30 comparatively large flowers in an unbranched raceme. The flowers measure about 25-45 mm in diameter, and are yellow with red markings on the lip of the side lobes.
Conservation and uses
This species is common in most parts of its distribution range in southern Africa, however it does make a good garden plant and is vulnerable to collectors. In South Africa, all orchids are protected by law and the plants must not be removed from the wild without a permit; only nursery-grown plants can be cultivated legally. These plants are used in African tradition as an emetic and as a protective charm against storms.
Synonyms
Lissochilus speciosus R.Br. ex Lindl. is the basionym. Other synonyms include:
