Grammatophyllum is a genus of epiphytic orchids that is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. These plants are known for their large, showy flowers that can be up to 30 centimeters in diameter, and their long, thick stems that can reach several meters in length. Grammatophyllum orchids are often grown as specimen plants due to their impressive size and striking appearance.
One of the most popular species of Grammatophyllum is Grammatophyllum speciosum. Grammatophyllum speciosum also called giant orchid, tiger orchid is a species of orchid native to Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, Indonesia and Malaysia.
It is an epiphytic and occasionally a lithophytic plant, forming spectacular root bundles. Its cylindric pseudobulbs can grow to a length of 2.5 m. It can grow to gigantic clusters weighing from several hundred kilograms to more than one ton.
This species produces large clusters of flowers that are yellow or orange with dark stripes, resembling the markings of a tiger. Each inflorescence can grow to a height of 3m, bearing up to eighty flowers each 10 cm wide. The flowers are yellow colored with maroon or dark red spots. These flowers are remarkable, since the lowest flowers have no lip and these flowers function as osmophores for the entire inflorescence and continue to emit chemical scent to attract pollinators as flowers open in succession. It blooms only once every two to four years. Each individual flower can remain fresh for as long as six weeks.
Grammatophyllum orchids are relatively easy to grow and require bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive. They prefer a well-draining growing medium, such as a mixture of bark and sphagnum moss, and should be watered regularly but not allowed to sit in standing water.
Grammatophyllum orchids are highly valued by orchid enthusiasts for their impressive size and stunning flowers. They are also important in traditional medicine, with various parts of the plant used to treat a range of ailments. For example one research article by Harikarnpakdee and Chowjarean found it specifically aided in wound healing in humans.
