(Blume 1825) The generic
name originates from the
Greek Spa.) spatha,spathe;
glottis,tongue; alluding to
the unusually broad
spade-like mid-lobe of the
lip.
There are over forty
terrestrial species in this
genus distributed from
southern India and China to
Malaysia, the Philippines,
New Guinea, and New
Calidonia. Species have
fibrous, epiphytic-type
roots and produce a tall,
thin raceme bearing
successive relatively
short-lived white, yellow,
pink, red, or purple flowers
over many months. Species
are a popular garden plant
in mild climates such as
found in southern Florida.
