Phaius tankervilleae

This orchid has established itself throughout the Islands mostly in moist forests. This plant forms large clumps with inflorescences as tall as four feet bearing 10-20 fragrant flowers, opening up in succession. Sword shaped leaves develop as the tall inflorescens of white, rose and brown flowers reaches full bloom in the late spring. The species produces a new plant on a short bulb-like runner every year and flowers magnificently during March and April. It prefers the shade of trees and can take a long dry period before the flowering season. Use it for mass plantings or as a speciment in part shade. It is also good used as a potted plant.

See video about Ground Orchids.