Galeola

Galeola
Plant Info
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Vanilloideae
Tribe: Vanilleae
Genus: Galeola
Lour.

Species
See text.

Galeola is a genus of orchids (family Orchidaceae) belonging to the subfamily Vanilloideae.

All Species in this genus are myco-heterotrophic, i.e. they are parasitic upon fungi. The Genus is spread throughout Asia (Madagascar to Japan) and contains 22 to 25 species.

Galeola is of biological interest because of its exclusive saprophytic nature and its seeds. The seeds are the biggest orchid seeds in the world. They are winged, which is also extraordinary for an orchid.