Many matte blooms open simultaneously and grow on an inflorescence which is 24-48" long. Flowers are 4-5" across, and last 17-18 days. Plants from Java self pollinate, leading to a shorter lifespan for the flower.
Foliage Characteristics:
Variegated foliage.
Fragrance:
Fragrant
Range:
SE Asia; Australia; Africa
Habitat:
Grassy fields, moist forests, swamps; 0-1300m
Bloom Time (Northern Hemisphere):
October to July; peak in February through April
Ethnobotanical Uses:
Pseudobulbs used in India to strengthen twine for fishing nets.
Medicinal / Pharmaceutical:
In Java, the pseudobulbs are made into a poultice to soothe pain from abscess. In the southern highlands of Papua, women eat the smoked flowers with food to aid in conception.