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Vanilla walkeriae
| Vanilla walkeriae | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| : | [[Template:Taxonomy/Vanilla]] |
| Species: | Template:Taxonomy/VanillaV. walkeriae
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| Binomial name | |
| Template:Taxonomy/VanillaVanilla walkeriae | |
Vanilla walkeriae is a species of vanilla orchid native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows in forest and jungle habitat. It is considered to be a rare species.[1]
Description[edit]
This species is an epiphyte with thick, succulent, rooting stems up to 15 meters long that climbs on trees and shrubs. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 3.7 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a large raceme of many flowers. The flower can be up to 6.8 centimeters wide and has wavy-edged white petals. The fruit is a thin capsule up to 15 centimeters long.[1]
The scientific name commemorates Anna Maria Walker of Sri Lanka with whom Robert Wight collaborated.
Uses[edit]
The plant is used in the traditional veterinary medicine practices of the Irulas in India. Stem paste is fed to cattle to treat fever and as a nutritional supplement.[2]
Conservation[edit]
The species is threatened by commercial overexploitation and habitat destruction.[2]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vanilla walkeriae. Biodiversity India.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Balasubramaniam, P., et al. (2000). Notes on the distribution & ethnobotany of some medicinal orchids in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Zoos' Print Journal 15(11), 368.
External links[edit]
- Vanilla walkeriae illustration. Swiss Orchid Foundation.