Back
Robiquetia spathulata (Blume) J.J.Sm.
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Synonyms: | Saccolabium densiflorum, Aerides densiflora, Cleisostoma spathulatum |
| Common Name: | Sheath-Covered Spathe Robiquetia, 大叶寄树兰 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Weeping / Pendulous |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Eastern Himalaya to Hainan and Malesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A medium to large sized, monopodial epiphyte with hanging stem. The plant can grow up to 1 m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are obovate-oblong, with unequal bilobed on the leaf tip. Each leaf on average is 18 cm long and 4.5 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Flowers are cup shaped, the sepals and petals are predominantly yellow with brown-red blotches and the lip and column are pale cream-yellow in colour. Flowers are borne densely on an inflorescence of about 15 to 30 cm long. Inflorescences hang downwards. Each flower is about 6 - 7 mm long. |
| Habitat | It is found growing in evergreen, lowland riverine forests and primary montane forests at elevations of 400 to 800 (up to 1600) meters. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong, Obovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Retuse |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Red, Yellow / Golden, Brown |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped |
References
| References | Yam T.W., Ang P and Tay F. (2016). Rediscovery and reintroduction of Robiquetia spathulata in Singapore. Gardenwise 46: 22 - 24. |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33704 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8118 |
| 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. |