Spathoglottis plicata

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Orchid is one of the species rich families of plant, with more that 19,000 species identified. They are generally epiphyte - growing on other plants, but some are terrestrial plants like the ground orchid Spathoglottis plicata.

Spathoglottis plicata, ground orchid
Somewhat unique among orchids, Spthoglottis plicata is a terrestial plant

This ground orchid has a wide geographical distribution. Spathoglottis plicata is found in India to peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, and ultimately reaches as far as the pacific islands. Its success is partly attributed to its ability to self pollinated. In other words, a single individual is able to reproduce a viable offspring, without the need of cross pollinating with plant of the opposite sex.

Spathoglottis plicata is also a tough plant, capable of adapting in various type of habitat ranging from the edge of the rainforest to plantations and rocky shores. I found this ground orchid rather common along roads that cut through the palm oil plantations, growing among the tangle of ferns that cover the open ground along the fringe of the plantations.

Beautiful pink flower of Spathoglottis plicata

Like most orchids, the leaves have parallel veins, lanceolate in shape. When not in bloom such appearance make it look more like a palm rather than an orchid. However, its flowers give away its real identity quite easily, pinkish-purple in color, about 2.5 cm wide.

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