Orchids of Arunachal - Part 3
Curiosity and learning new things are always positive traits. You can only fully comprehend and appreciate the significance of what is already in existence in that way. This is a follow-up blog on the orchids found in Arunachal Pradesh. Before we begin, a quick reminder to read Orchids of Arunachal, Part 1 and Part 2.
Calanthe plantaginea
Most commonly known as the Plantago-Like Calanthe, this orchid belongs to the sub-family of Epidendroideae, with its tribe being Bletiteae and sub-tribe Bletiinae. It is a plantaginea species of the genus Calanthe. It is also vernacularly named Che Qian Xia Ji Lan in China.
Its flowering period starts in July and ends in September. The stem of the plant is fleshy and it has a rhizome that is sheathed. The size of its purple-coloured flowers is 3 cm across with a raceme inflorescence.
Calanthe plantaginea is a sympodial plant that inhabits the terrestrial regions of sub-tropical and tropical forests at an altitude of a minimum of 800 m and a maximum of 1500 m. It was collected from Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, by Dr A. N. Rao.