Monday, November 10, 2014

Now Blooming - Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua (Serpent Orchid)

You will see why it is named serpentilingua or Snake's Tongue or Serpent Orchid.
Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua is another rare Borneo species orchid in our little garden.
It is endemic to Borneo. Meaning, you don't find this species anywhere else in the world.

Found in the mangrove forest of Borneo, the flower is fragrant and very very beautiful.
The leaves are not that long. Each about a foot long.
This species is also commonly known as "Rat Tailed Phalaenopsis" because the leaves resemble rat's tail.

Our serpentilingua is planted on log and left hanging down, under the shade.
No problem with sunlight and we water our orchids daily.
Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua @OrchidBliss

▼Blooming since the last two days.
Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua @OrchidBliss

▼Note the forked tongue - that is why it is also known as Snake's Tongue or Serpent Orchid.
Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua @OrchidBliss - the Snake Tongue

▼Another flower - shorter tongue.
Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua @OrchidBliss - the Snake Tongue

▼This one is a more balanced forked tongue :)
Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua @OrchidBliss - the Snake Tongue

2 comments:

  1. How to differentiate true serpentilingua from the hybrid ones?

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  2. It is hard to differentiate them as there are many hybrids around. An orchid expert should be able to tell the difference. We are not expert to that level.

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