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Acriopsis liliifolia (Koen.) Ormerod
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
Acriopsis liliifolia is epiphytic orchid native to Singapore. Its clump forming pseudobulb bears a pair of long narrow leaves and long, branching inflorescences of up to 200 flowers grow from the base. The dainty flowers have white petals bearing a purple spot at its tips and its white lip has a light sprinkling of purple spots. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing on trees, and is best cultivated outdoors under filtered light.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India (Sikkim), Andaman Islands, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Queensland, Southwestern Pacific Islands. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A sympodial epiphyte, it has a clumping growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The pseudobulbs each bear 2 leaves that are small and elliptic in shape. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne on a long, branching inflorescence which originates from the base of the pseudobulb and can hold up to 200 flowers. The flowers are cross-shaped, the bottom lateral sepals fused together. The petals are white with a purple spot on the petal tip. The flower lip is white with a purple patch on the middle of the lip. |
| Habitat | It is found growing from sea level to 1500m in altitude in lowland forests as well as trees in plantations, villages and parkland. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, [Remarks] (It is best grown under 70% light. ) |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
References
| References | <1> 2014. Acriopsis liliifolia. e-flora of Thailand. Vol. 12(2):315. Accessed on 14 Oct 2025. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32079 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6484 |
| 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. |
