Bamboo Orchid

The Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) is a tall, elegant orchid native to Singapore and tropical Asia. They are hardy residents of open grasslands, scrublands, and secondary forest edges.

Identifying features

Check out some identifying features of the Bamboo Orchid!

The Bamboo Orchid features tall, stiff, unbranched stems and thin, alternating leaves that make the plant look exactly like a thin stalk of bamboo. When it is in bloom, point out its delicate flowers, which feature pale pinkish-purple petals and a striking, bright magenta "lip" with a yellow center.

Habitat and ecology

Unlike the Pigeon Orchid which grows high up in the trees as an epiphyte, the Bamboo Orchid is "terrestrial", meaning it grows directly in the soil! It thrives in full, harsh sunlight and highly degraded, nutrient-poor earth where many other delicate flowering plants would not grow well in.

Did you know?

The flowers are relatively short-lived, usually lasting only a few days. However, the orchid blooms sequentially, meaning one or two flowers opens towards the very tip of the stem at a time, ensuring a continuous display of color over many months.

Learn more about the Bamboo Orchid!

Curious about the Bamboo Orchid? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.

Flora and Fauna Web - Bamboo Orchid

Biodiversity of Singapore - Bamboo Orchid