Cymbidium canaliculatum

close up photo

(Black Orchid, Channel-leaf Cymbidium, Tiger Orchid)

FAMILY

Orchidaceae

Species

Cymbidium canaliculatum

Common name

Black Orchid, Channel-leaf Cymbidium, Tiger Orchid

Flower colour; life form

Black to yellow with splotches; epiphyte

Campus

Cairns, Townsville

Description

This epiphytic orchid is often seen growing in the fork where two branches arise in large eucalypts in woodland areas. A variable species it is often cultivated. Pseudobulbs are clustered to 15 cm long, leaves are keeled, thick 20-60 cm long. Flowers in pendulous racemes, each flower 2.5-3.5 cm diameter; colour varies from pale to almost black but with dark splotches. Capsules are ovoid to 3 cm long.

orchid in tree