Gallery of Sapangdaku's Wild Orchids

My fascination with native orchids started last year. I was still actively visiting the more elevated portions of our area then as part of my daily routine. One day I accidentally stumbled upon some plants hanging in abundance on several tree branches along the trail. Based on their anatomy they seemed to mirror those of the family Orchidaceae. Like a real botanist, I observed them for quite a while in their natural habitat and took note of their growth habits, patterns, and locations. A few months later, some of them displayed what appeared to be flowers. My interests grew as the days passed and what happened next was the beginning of a new addiction. I joined several groups of Philippine Native Orchid enthusiasts so I could identify those that I discovered in my vicinity. Here are some photos of those wild native orchids that were successfully identified by my colleagues online.

Pteroceras pallidum | Location: Sitio Kahugan

Pteroceras pallidum has elongated droopy leaves around 12 inches long. Buds take several days to bloom. It is prolific in the areas of Sitio Kahugan hanging mostly on old mango tree branches. A small population can be found on old Tamarind trees in Sitio Arcos. Floral bud initiation was noted in the last week of December.

Micropera utriculosa | Location: Mt. Kasili

Micropera utriculosa is heavily distributed in the mountains of Kasili. A small population can also be found in Sitio Arcos. It has elongated thin leaves that grow alternately on both sides of the main stem. Flowers are tiny and lavender in color. Floral bud initiation was detected in the second half of July.

Dendrobium philippinense | Location: Mt. Kasili

Dendrobium philippinense possesses needle-like leaves in numerous amount. It is a very slender orchid and resembles a grass if viewed from a distance. It is very abundant in Mt. Kasili hanging mostly on mango trees. Flowers are yellow and small and hang delicately on the flower stalk. Floral bud initiation was noted in the second half of July however a small number of flowers were observed even after the month of January.

Luisia tristis | Location: Mt. Kasili

Luisia tristis has long fat needle-like leaves. It can be easily mistaken as a mature specimen of Dendrobium philippinense but a closer inspection will reveal its distinct physical features. It bears yellow flowers with violet lips in clusters. This specimen on the picture was found in small numbers in the mountains of Kasili hanging on mango trees. Floral bud initiation was spotted in the second half of November.

Taeniophyllum sp.

Dendrobium anosmum

Grastidium sp.