Polystachya cultriformis (Thouars) Lindl. ex Spreng.

cultriformis: shaped like a knife-blade

Epiphyte or lithophyte. The fairly long and narrowly conical pseudobulbs are nearly covered by membranous sheaths. Each pseudobulb has only one apical leaf, elliptic or slightly ovate with undulate margins. The inflorescence is usually arching or pendulous and may be branched, with up to flowers. Flowers mostly white, occasionally tinged with pink. Lip with a yellowish callus.

Some plants occur with yellow flowers and often also have slightly narrower leaves than white-flowered forms. These were formerly described as P. gerrardii but are now regarded as merely a colour form. In tropical East Africa pink and purple forms occur.

Frequent

Widespread in Tropical Africa and South Africa. Also in Madagascar, Comoros, Mascarene Islands, and Seychelles.

Widespread in Tropical Africa and South Africa. Also in Madagascar, Comoros, Mascarene Islands and Seychelles..