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Vanilla aphylla Blume
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Synonyms: | Vanilla parishii Rchb.f. |
| Common Name: | Leafless Vanilla |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South East Asia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Reduced, green, triangle-shaped scale leaves, approximately 7mm in length. |
|---|---|
| Stems | Slightly flattened, green and fleshy stems with the ability to photosynthesize. Internodes are 6-8cm in length. |
| Flowers | 3-4 flowers are borne on short inflorescences. Sepal and petals are pale green in colour. Labellum or lip is joined to the column, side lobes are white, erect with reflexed edges. Midlobe has slightly toothed, reflexed edges and is almost completely covered with short, light pink tufts of hair. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Modification | Scale-like |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green, Green - Light Green, Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30969 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5355 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
