Very weird Dimorphorchis lowii

[rdlsreno]

A very interesting species Dimorphorchis lowii. It has two different flower form in one inflorescence. This is such a slow growing plant that is why it cost me an arm and a leg to get a flowering plant. This particular clone is quite flat and has a good form.

Ramon

Dimorphorchis lowii lower flower


Dimorphorchis lowii upper flower

[ronaldhanko]

This isn't weird, it's the way the plant ordinarily flowers. "Dimorphorchis" means "two-form orchid." They're not only different in color. If you check carefully you'll find that only one of the flower forms is fragrant, the darker flowers.

[trdyl]

Great looking flowers!

[Junebug]

Very cool! I've never seen one like that before. Thank you for sharing.

[CTB]

You do nice Photography, enjoy looking at your pics. Thanks

[peeweelovesbooks]

Yes. I belive one is male and one is female. I've lusted for one for a while. I think RF said they were getting some in. How do you grow yours?

[rdlsreno]

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

Yes. I belive one is male and one is female. I've lusted for one for a while. I think RF said they were getting some in. How do you grow yours?

I just bought mine. Since it takes about 10 to 15 years to flower, I paid an arm and a leg for it!


Ramon

[RosieC]

Wow, really cool. I've heard of orchids having either male or female flowers, but not both at the same time.

[PaphMadMan]

I'm not sure the 2 flower forms are really male and female. That would be pretty basic and significant botanical information and most sources don't say anything about it. It is almost inconceivable that it wouldn't be mentioned when discussing the unusual dimorphic flowers. I find one nursery's website that makes this claim, but I think they may just have made a false assumption.

[ronaldhanko]

I was surprised to see that information here also since I had never heard that before and can find no genuine source to confirm it. I really doubt that the male/female thing is true.