Calanthe sylvatica, Syn. Calanthe masuca
A very beautiful orchid found on the forest floor. Comes in various colors ranging from almost whitish pink to purple to deep purple. They love deep shade of trees and shrubs. Most of the time we notice these plants by its striking flowers. The leaves will be hidden below a layer of shrubs and wines.
A very interesting feature of this plant is that the lip of the older flowers turn bright orange. They flower irrespective of the season while under cultivation. But in nature I found them flowering in July-August. I've come across these beauties at higher elevations above 1000m ASL. Butt they grow well and flower in plains as well. Grow them away from bright sunlight...
Calanthe sylvatica under cultivation
Calanthe sylvatica under cultivation
Lips of the older fowers turn orange
Calanthe sylvatica growing in deep forest cover
