Help for Orchid ID

[kenngks]

Hi, got this white fragrant orchid from Bangkok last week. Anyone knows what type of orchid is this?

Thanks.

[kmarch]

It looks like it might be a Rhynchostylis, possibly Rhynchostylis gigantea v. alba. I think there is an alba variety of R. coelestis too but I'm not 100% sure. If it is indeed a species a positive ID still won't be possible without a detailed comparison of every part of the plant ot botanical descriptions, work best done by a taxonomist. The best we'd be able to do is give an educated guess.

Can you possibly post a pic of the entire plant?

[kenngks]

Hi kmarch,

Thanks for your prompt response.

Here is the full picture of this orchid. I have searched high and low from the website and has no luck finding the id for it.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by kenngks

Here is the full picture of this orchid. I have searched high and low from the website and has no luck finding the id for it.

One can't positively/reliably ID orchids from web pics anyway so nothing to worry there. Simply put a picture does not give enough info to make a positive ID.

Thanks for the pic of the whole plant though. It's helpful. I'm quite sure it is a Rhynchostylis. As to which species, a more specific ID probably won't be possible without a taxonomist.

If you fancy a bit of an adventure, look up the taxonomic descriptions of R. gigantea and R. coelestis and see if you can tell which one better suits your plant/flowers. It will involve learning some technical terminology, and a fair bit of measuring and counting.

Have fun!

[kenngks]

I think this is Rhynchostylis gigantea with the following description that match my plant:

An exceptional genus of fragrant flowered beauties. The foliage is interesting, with a fan shape and recurving deeply channeled leaves, striated with lighter veining. The inflorescence is a hanging ’foxtail’ of many fragrant white flowers splashed with purple. Multiple spikes are typical. Winter bloomer. Keep in bright indirect light and water often.

Thanks for the info....

[kmarch]

Ken, that's not the kind of description I was meaning. A taxonomic description will give lengths and widths of leaves and other flower and plant parts , shape of plant parts, count the number of polinia, etc., etc. The description you've posted above, while it could fit gigantea, could also fit other Rhynchostylis. They all have fan shaped leaf arrangements and deeply channeles leaves and all of them have "foxtail" inflorescences and are fragrant. Can you find a scientific description?

[kenngks]

I am happy as long as I know that this is classified under Rhynchostylis pure white probably a gigantea v. alba

I likE plants!: Rhynchostylis gigantea

Thanks kmarch

[digitalgate]

yes that is Rhynchostylis gigantea v. alba