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Description
Chamaegastrodia Inverta is a rare and fascinating plant that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is a terrestrial orchid that is native to China and can be found growing in the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou. The plant was first discovered in 1937 by the botanist Chen Xinqi, but it was not until the 1980s that it was officially described and named. Chamaegastrodia Inverta is also known by its Chinese name, “Jin Tian Lan”.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Chamaegastrodia |
| Species | Chamaegastrodia inverta |
Appearance
Chamaegastrodia Inverta is a small orchid that typically grows to be around 10-20 cm tall. It has a single stem with a few small, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers of Chamaegastrodia Inverta are small and inconspicuous, with a greenish-yellow coloration. They are arranged in a raceme that can have up to 20 flowers. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Chamaegastrodia Inverta is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Chamaegastrodia Inverta prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chamaegastrodia Inverta is typically not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Crown rot: Overwatering can cause the plant’s crown to rot. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid this issue.
Habitat
Chamaegastrodia Inverta is native to China and can be found growing in the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou. It typically grows in forests or on forest edges at elevations of 1300-2700 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chamaegastrodia Inverta a rare plant?
A: Yes, it is a rare plant that is not commonly found in cultivation.
Q: Can Chamaegastrodia Inverta be grown indoors?
A: It is possible to grow this plant indoors, but it will require bright, indirect light and some humidity.
Q: What is the best time of year to repot Chamaegastrodia Inverta?
A: It is best to repot this plant in the spring, just before it begins its new growth cycle.
Q: Can Chamaegastrodia Inverta be propagated from cuttings?
A: No, this plant cannot be propagated from cuttings. It can only be propagated from seed.
Related Plants
- Chamaegastrodia shikokiana
- Chamaegastrodia yunnanensis
- Chamaegastrodia vaginata
- Chamaegastrodia kanoi
References
- Chen, Xinqi. “A new species of Chamaegastrodia from China.” Journal of the Arnold Arboretum 68.3 (1987): 333-335.
- Xu, Zhenhua, and Shuying Gao. “Studies on the genus Chamaegastrodia.” Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 35.1 (1997): 74-82.
- “Chamaegastrodia Inverta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 Feb. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279160&isprofile=0&basic=chamaegastrodia>.
