Not open yet, but curious

Bought this orchid some time back with a label identifying it as Vanda andersonii. Of course turned out that name didn't exist. So I left it til it flowered to find out the true ID. Now for the first time there's buds forming so hopefully we will have the moment of truth soon.

Although not open, I'm posting photos in case some one might be in the know. As the plant progresses I'll post more photos.

It seems to be a monopodial, although there has been a little branching low down over the years. The leaves are thick and cylindrical. It's with some Arachnis, they seem to have similar habits. Had always assumed it was a species, but no guarantees on that.

Any comments on ID welcome.

 

Thanks Foozil, that looks like it. Apparently a very common and widespread orchid throughout south east Asia to New Guinea. Although now it's Papilionanthe, it used to be Vanda. Searches showed up P. teres var andersonii and P. teres "Andersonii". Photos of it on the internet look really nice.

 

Getting close to opening

 

First flower finally fully open. The ants seem to have taken a special interest in it. Don't know whether these orchids have nectaries in the flowers or outside but the ants looked to be working along the pedicels as well as within the flower. They became defensive when I moved in close with the camera.

 

Thanks for the comments. The ants are Green Tree Ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, probably the most common species here but not the largest. They build nests in trees by stitching green leaves together. When the leaves die they abandon them and build a new nest. It's a fascinating process to watch.

 

Quite surprised to see a seed pod develop, although only the one. Looks like we may have a pollinator here. Or else it's a "virgin birth", or maybe a "phantom pregnancy".