The Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) Plant of the Month (POM) for January 2024 is the Zebra Orchid, scientifically known as Trichoglottis geminata (Teijsm. & Binn.) J.J.Sm from the family Orchidaceae. Carl Blume established the genus Trichoglottis in 1825. The generic epithet is from the Greek word tricho, which means hair, and glotta, which means tongue refers to the hairy labellum of the species. Geminata is from the Latin term gemin, meaning “united in pairs, twins, double,” in reference to the two flowered inflorescences. The plant is native to the Philippines, Borneo, Maluku, and Sulawesi.
The orchid is a monopodial epiphytic or lithophytic orchid species with thick roots and fibrous stems. Its flowers are yellowish with purplish markings and are relatively small in size but very fragrant. In general, Trichoglottis sp. flowers have broad sepals, narrow petals, and long hairy labellum. Meanwhile, its leaves have numerous leathery, thick oblong-shaped leaves arranged in opposite directions.
You may watch a dedicated video of this plant through this link: https://youtu.be/T1EMclc8ueA
By: AALimpiada and ACMalayba