Rhynchostylic Retusa’s common name in Rhyncho Orchid. This orchid is widely found in Western Ghats and Himalayas. It is a sturdy epiphytic orchid with fragrant flowers.
The flowers are small closely arranged on a long stem. They are pink and white flowers with at least 4 flowers on each circumference on the stem. The flowers are long lasting and they flower during April to September.
This Orchid has many Sanskrit names like rikshakadali, Vrikshadani, Gandhanakuli, Vandaka, Rasna. The other common names are “Sithapushpa”; “Sithadande” or “Sithale” in India. Sita is the mythological figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana and is the wife of Lord Rama.
I collected this plant from Srinagar, Uttaranchal.
The orchid is an epiphyte with simple, opposite, long and fleshy leaves. Flowers bloom once a year on long panicled spikes. They are pink, fragrant and lasts for more than a month. The fruits are small capsules containing numerous spores.
Medicinal Use:
The plant has many curing properties. The roots and leaves of the plants are used in Ayurveda to cure Arthritis pain, acidity, skin diseases, nerve weakness and poisonous bites.
