Vanda coerulea

Vanda coerulea was described by John Lindley in 1847, and is native to the mountains of Thailand, Burma, Southern China and the Himalayan areas of India and Nepal.

In the world of orchids the colour blue is rarely seen. This species grows as an epiphyte, often in full sun, at elevations of between 900 – 1500 metres, usually in deciduous forests.

The width of the flowers shown is four inches across to the tips of the petals. The strap - like leaves are rarely longer than five inches long

There are many look-a-likes where other species of Vanda have been crossed with V. coerulea to produce bigger and rounder flowers. But the true coerulea is easily recognised as the petals are at 90deg or more to the sepals, facing the ground. Another feature found only on our species is the presence of 2 white upward pointing horns on the basal side lobes of the labellum. If these are not present, then it is most likely not Vanda coerulea.

 

Thanks for your help Marni.
Bernard.