Ludisia discolor (Ker Gawl.) Blume 1859, commonly called the Jewel Orchid, because of its attractive foliage, is a terrestrial or lithophytic growing orchid species, native to Myanmar (formerly Burma), South China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The erect inflorescences of the rhizomatous jewel orchid get lengths uo to about 30 cm. The fragrant Ludisia discolor flowers get a size of about 2 cm. The monotypic orchid (Orchidaceae) genus Ludisia A. Rich. 1825, monotypic means the genus contains just one single species, has been established by the French botanist Achille Richard (1794-1852 ) and has been published in the Dictionnaire classique d’histoire naturelle in the year 1825. The Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) is protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival) and is considered as an easy to care orchid. The Jewel orchid requires a warm - hot, humid climate
and is best cultivated in deep shade.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) foliage
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee