Phalaenopsis bellina (Phalaenopsis bellina)
Description
Phalaenopsis bellina is a species of orchid endemic to Borneo. It is one of about 60 species the genus Phalaenopsis. Today it is one of the most commonly cultivated species in the genus. Flowers: Star shaped, 5–6 cm in size, deeply saturated fuschia or violet near the base of sepals and petals. Interior half of the lower sepals typically display more coloration than other sepals and petals. Inflorescences emerge from the leaf axils arranged alternately on the main stem. Oftentimes during development they puncture the epidermis at the base of the leaves. A single inflorescence typically carries only 2 or 3 flowers at a time, however more has been observed. Flowers may emerge from the tip of the inflorescence from spring through summer, and continue to do so for many years until the stem dries up. Phalaenopsis bellina has thick, succulent leaves. They are oval, light to medium green, and sometimes wavy. When mounted, leaves grow so that older, lower leaves are shifted towards the sides while new growth points downwards, in order to expose as much surface area to sunlight. Potted plants do not display this growth habit, so it is often recommended that plants be grown mounted to best expose leaves to light. Phalaenopsis bellina has a fibrous root system, with roots usually emerging near the base of the stem. The root is composed of a spongy outer layer called the velamen, which is responsible for protecting underlying cells from UV rays and physical damage, as well as absorbing water. New growth emerges from the root tips, and is usually a light green color until the velamen matures and turns older roots grayish-green. Roots are thick and are capable of holding water for extended periods of drought. Dense root hairs emerge from the velamen and root tips to anchor plants to host trees or mounts.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Asparagales
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Family: Orchidaceae
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Genus: Phalaenopsis
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