Terrestrial weed or orchid ?

[Uechi]

I have two of these plants growing and flowering in Phaius tankervillae pot. The flowers are small,but quite pretty. Is this some sort of weed in a symbiotic relationship with the Phaius or some type of miniature orchid? A member in our club said it was a Chinese orchid which tells you nothing that's like saying it's an American Orchid. Anybody know what this is i.e. Genus and Species? Thanks for the help

[Uechi]

Oops forgot to attach a photo. Here it is

[gixrj18]

Just a guess, but I'm going to say "not an orchid", due to the fact that there isn't a column, pollinia, or an anther cap.

[tuvoc]

Yup, definitely not an orchid, but it sure is cute. If it isn't causing any problems with your Phaius, I'd let it be. Some people are going to disagree, but I like the look of different plants growing together, as long as they get along together.

Kim

[Mahon]

No, this isn't an orchid. I'm not sure what weed it is, but I also have this in a few orchids. They are VERY helpful on letting you know when the plant needs water. Great little indicator plant, I just leave them alone

-Pat

[Uechi]

I agree, I don't think it is an orchid and I have no great desire to remove the plant, but the botanist in me wants to know exactly what it is, genus, species

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Uechi

I agree, I don't think it is an orchid and I have no great desire to remove the plant, but the botanist in me wants to know exactly what it is, genus, species

If so, then give us some more to go on. I'm not a botanist, but a Landscape Architect. I have a botany background and know how to key out plants. Let us see the leaves, the leaf structure, etc. Maybe we can close in on genera, if not the actual plant. Surprized Pat (Mahon) hasn't nailed it. He usually does.

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by Ross

Let us see the leaves, the leaf structure, etc. Maybe we can close in on genera, if not the actual plant. Surprized Pat (Mahon) hasn't nailed it. He usually does.

I'll see if I can post a picture of this little guy, it's a rambler, and the foliage isn't attractive per say, the entire plant is just interesting and the flowers are plentiful upon little stems.

I was told the name of it once, but Ooochyoochy awahwah is about all I can (not) recall

-Pat

[stonedragonfarms]

It looks like something in the Pseuderanthemum family to me... can you post a pic of the whole plant?
Adam

[Mahon]

Adam,

You hit it on the nose! This is Pseuderanthemum variable, thanks for the lead! Apparently they are Australian, and not as weedy as we have them here!

-Pat