Cymbedium bicolor

Cymbedium bicolor is a fairly common orchid found in Kerala. This species grows to form big clumps. The leathery, thick leaves are 60 - 90 cms long.

Recently I came across this plant near Kanjirappally in Kerala. It was growing on a tree stump by the road side. I could count more than fifty bunches of flowers on this magnificent specimen. Generally, the flowering period for this species is from January to April. I've found them blooming in other seasons too. 

This is one of the heat tolerant type cymbedium species and hence nowadays widely used for breeding heat tolerant strains of hybrid Cymbediums, which is becoming more and more popular.