Status:
valid
Authors:
Lindl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1840
Citation Micro:
Edwards's Bot. Reg. 26(Misc.): 61 (1840)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000858465
Common Names
- Chysis Laevis
- Laevis Orchid
- Smooth Chysis
Description
Chysis laevis (also called Smooth Chysis, among many other common names) is a perennial orchid native to Central America and parts of Mexico. It grows in moist, shady areas and is characterized by its long, narrow leaves and small, white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Chysis laevis has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It has also been used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Chysis laevis are white to pale yellow, with a yellow center. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Chysis laevis is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers a sunny spot in well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. It can be grown from seed, but it is slow to germinate and can take up to a year. Division is the quickest way to propagate this plant. It can be divided in early spring or late fall.
Where to Find Chysis laevis
Chysis limminghei can be found in Central America, including Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Species in the Chysis genus
Chysis violacea,
Chysis addita,
Chysis aurea,
Chysis bractescens,
Chysis bruennowiana,
Chysis laevis,
Chysis limminghei,
Chysis tricostata,
Chysis archilae,
Chysis chironii,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,