Eulophia

The genus Eulophia is widespread throughout the tropical areas of the world ranging from south and central Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, China and the islands north of Australia including Thailand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Some species are also found in Mexico and the southern parts of the United Sates. Originally the genus contained 212 species, subspecies and natural hybrids. A number of these were recently assigned to the genus Orthochilus. Currently Eulophia consists of 165 species, 10 subspecies and 2 natural hybrids. Of these 35 are found in South Africa. This a terrestrial species with the flowering stem borne next to the leaf bearing shoot. Most species have underground pseudobulbs and many go dormant during the dry, cooler winters. Some species carry their pseudubulbs above ground similar to the genus Cymbidium but with a thinner leaf texture and often very broad leaves. A few species are evergreen. The lip is three-lobed and often covered in crests, ridges or papillae. Flower colour ranges from white through cream to bright yellow, pink, brown and green or a mix of the colours including some with reddish tinges to the lip.

• speciosa

Credit

Martos, F., S.D. Johnson, C.I. Peter & B. Bytebier (2014). A molecular phylogeny reveals paraphyly of the large genus Eulophia (Orchidaceae): A case for the reinstatement of Orthochilus. Taxon 63(1): 9-23.

Johnson, S.D., Bytebier, B., Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa.