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Vanilla walkeriae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vanilla walkeriae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Vanilloideae
Genus: Vanilla
Species:
V. walkeriae
Binomial name
Vanilla 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

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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

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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

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The species is threatened by habitat destruction.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Vanilla walkeriae. Biodiversity India.
  2. ^ a b Balasubramaniam, P., et al. (2000). Notes on the distribution & ethnobotany of some medicinal orchids in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Zoos' Print Journal 15(11), 368.
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