Nun Orchid

 

 

Phaius tankervilliae, commonly known as nun's orchid, came to this country in the 18th century, and is named for the shape of the flowers, which from a certain angle resemble a nun's head covering. It can grow in the ground in places where the temperature does not go below 36 degrees. Translated this means the Gulf Coast and Florida. It may flower in response to reduced daylight in the winter. These are my plants and they are blooming now. I got one off ebay from someone on the Mississippi coast who apparently dug it from their yard. Another plant was purchased from Southern Homes in Wetumka, but both plants have grown and flowered well for me. Unlike most orchids, these are terrestrial, and are grown in loose potting media instead of a bark media.Not only are the flowers beautiful, the leaves are also pretty, unlike cattelya orchids.