Grammatophyllum
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Grammatophyllum (Greek, gramma, a line or streak, and phyllon, leaf; probably referring to the parallel leaf-veins). Orchidaceae, tribe Vandeae. A group of perhaps 8 or 9 epiphytic species, of which about half are well-defined, inhabiting the islands from Madagascar to the Philippines and New Guinea. The genus includes some of the largest and showiest of cultivated orchids.
Roots numerous: sts. or pseudobulbs many-lvd.: lvs. long, ribbon-shaped, thick, evergreen: racemes long- stalked, loosely many-fld., springing from near the base of the pseudobulb; fls. large, not obviously spurred; sepals and petals nearly equal, spreading; lip comparatively small, with margin entirely free, 3-lobed, with erect lateral lobes; column slender. Allied genera are Grammangis and Cymbidium, from both of which Grammatophyllum differs in having the pollen masses each borne upon an appendage of the stalk, while in the two related genera they are attached to a common stalk without special appendages.
The few species in cultivation are such infrequent bloomers that the flowering of a fine example is something of an event. They are propagated from pieces of the pseudobulbs. The plants are best grown in good sized and well-drained pots filled with peat, and need considerable water while actively growing. They should be allowed to rest occasionally. Season of bloom and further cultural details with each species.
G. ellisii -, Lindl.=Grammangis ellisii.—G. indeterminale, Hort. G. levictum, Hort.=(T). T.H. Kearney.
George V.Nash.
Grammatophyllum Blume, 1825 is a genus of 11 orchid species in tribe Cymbidieae, subtribe Cyrtopodiinae.
The name is derived from the Greek words 'gramma' (letter) and 'phyllon' (leaf), referring to the dark markings in the flower.
This epiphytic genus occurs in dense rainforest from Indo-China, to Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and SW Pacific islands.
The species produce several racemes, arising from the base of the pseudobulb, with many yellow-green to olive-green, waxy flowers with dark purplish-red marks. The pseudobulbs are enveloped by sheaths.
These are medium-sized to very large orchids, including the Giant Orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), believed to be the largest orchid species in existence. Its pseudobulbs can grow to a length of 2.5 m. Plants can develop into gigantic clusters weighing from several hundred kilograms to one ton! The roots form spectacular bundles.
The more modest Bell Orchid (Grammatophyllum scriptum) is another well-known species, with pseudobulbs of 20cm, from which originate 3 to 4 stout leaves with a length of 1 m.
Grammatophyllum multiflorum is one of the longest-blooming orchids in existence: it can be in bloom for nine months. See also Dendrobium cuthbertsonii, whose flowers have been reported to last up to ten months each.
Grammatophyllum 'Tiger's paw' is a hybrid from G. elegans and G. fenzlianum.
Species
- Grammatophyllum elegans (Fiji).
- Grammatophyllum fenzlianum (Maluku (Ambon).
- Grammatophyllum kinabaluense (N. Borneo).
- Grammatophyllum martae (Philippines ) - not validly published
- Grammatophyllum measuresianum (Philippines).
- Grammatophyllum multiflorum (Philippines).
- Grammatophyllum rumphianum (Borneo, Maluku).
- Grammatophyllum schmidtianum (Marianas).
- Grammatophyllum scriptum : Bell Orchid (Malaysia to SW. Pacific).
- Grammatophyllum scriptum var. boweri (Papuasia to Santa Cruz Is.)Hemicr. or cham.
- Grammatophyllum scriptum var. scriptum (Malaysia to SW. Pacific). Hemicr. or cham.
- Grammatophyllum speciosum : Giant Orchid, Tiger Orchid, Queen of Orchids (Indo-China to Solomon Is.) - type species
- Grammatophyllum stapeliiflorum (Malaysia to New Guinea).
