Contents
Description
Cyclorhiza Waltonii, commonly known as the Walton’s root orchid, is a rare and unique plant species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. This plant is native to the mountains of Taiwan and is known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. It is a terrestrial orchid that produces large, fleshy, and spherical tubers that are covered with a hard, woody shell. The plant has a single leaf with a length of 20-30 cm and a width of 5-6 cm. The leaf is elliptical in shape and has a dark green color. The flowers of Cyclorhiza Waltonii are pinkish-purple and have a diameter of 2-3 cm. They are arranged in a cluster of 4-6 flowers that bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cyclorhiza |
Appearance
The Cyclorhiza Waltonii plant has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. The plant has a single leaf that is elliptical in shape and has a dark green color. The leaf is about 20-30 cm long and 5-6 cm wide. The flowers of Cyclorhiza Waltonii are pinkish-purple and have a diameter of 2-3 cm. They are arranged in a cluster of 4-6 flowers that bloom from April to June. The plant produces large, fleshy, and spherical tubers that are covered with a hard, woody shell. The tubers can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and have a brownish-grey color. The root system of the plant is well developed and helps it to survive in harsh environments.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential for the growth and development of Cyclorhiza Waltonii. Here are some care tips for this plant:
- Water: Cyclorhiza Waltonii requires moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.
- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. It is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for orchids.
- Soil: Cyclorhiza Waltonii requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark is ideal for this plant.
- Sunlight: The plant requires bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant.
- Hardiness Zones: Cyclorhiza Waltonii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cyclorhiza Waltonii is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect this plant:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be removed by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be removed by wiping the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the plant to wilt and die. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Cyclorhiza Waltonii is native to the mountains of Taiwan. It is found in high elevation areas with an altitude of 1000-2500 meters. The plant grows in well-draining soil and requires moderate rainfall. It is adapted to survive in harsh environments and can tolerate low temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cyclorhiza Waltonii a rare plant?
A: Yes, Cyclorhiza Waltonii is a rare plant species that is native to the mountains of Taiwan.
Q: What is the blooming period of Cyclorhiza Waltonii?
A: The plant blooms from April to June.
Q: What is the ideal soil mix for Cyclorhiza Waltonii?
A: A mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark is ideal for this plant.
Q: How often should I water Cyclorhiza Waltonii?
A: The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.
Related Plants
- Cyclorhiza humilis
- Cyclorhiza taiwaniana
- Cyclorhiza yuana
References
- Chen, S. C., & Liu, Z. J. (2011). Orchids of Taiwan. Garden City Publishers.
- Ma, H. (2019). Cyclorhiza Waltonii. Flora of Taiwan.
- Orchid Conservation Coalition. (n.d.). Cyclorhiza Waltonii. Retrieved from https://orchidconservationcoalition.org/cyclorhiza-waltonii/
