Also known as the bee orchid, it is found in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka and blooms during February and March with a very long and thin inflorescence that is branched at the apex and carries short lived flowers so much so that only two flowers are open at a time. The petals and sepals are reflexed backwards and the lip resembles a bee. The thin inflorescence bobs under the weight of the flower creating an impression of a flying bee.
Where did you get this plant? I saw these in bloom in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary.
ReplyDeleteIn Wynad. I think it is fairly common in the Western Ghats though not in large numbers.
ReplyDeleteSigh! it has been a while since I visited Wayanad. Will make a trip soon and hope to keep away from the leeches :)
ReplyDeleteLeeches wouldn't be present after the monsoons unless it is at very high elevations. You should visit Silent Valley and take one of their nature trails.
ReplyDeleteWow! sounds exciting. Thank you for the suggestion.
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