Vanilla walkeriae

Vanilla walkeriae is a species of vanilla orchid native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows in forest and jungle habitat. It is considered to be a rare species.[1]

Vanilla walkeriae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Vanilloideae
Genus: Vanilla
Species:
V. walkeriae
Binomial name
Vanilla walkeriae

Description

This species is an epiphyte with thick, succulent, rooting stems up to 15 meters long that climbs on trees and shrubs. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 3.7 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a large raceme of many flowers. The flower can be up to 6.8 centimeters wide and has wavy-edged white petals. The fruit is a thin capsule up to 15 centimeters long.[1]

The scientific name commemorates Anna Maria Walker of Sri Lanka with whom Robert Wight collaborated.

Uses

The plant is used in the traditional veterinary medicine practices of the Irulas in India. Stem paste is fed to cattle to treat fever and as a nutritional supplement.[2]

Conservation

The species is threatened by commercial overexploitation and habitat destruction.[2]

References
  1. Vanilla walkeriae. Biodiversity India.
  2. Balasubramaniam, P., et al. (2000). Notes on the distribution & ethnobotany of some medicinal orchids in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Zoos' Print Journal 15(11), 368.
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