Vanda limbata

The species was first described by Blume in 1825 from Java, where the typical robust form occurs. Elegant species, with fragrant flowers ranging from brown to yellow with a distinctive and attractive pink lip. It is closely associated with Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia. It is one of the first Vandas of Southeast Asia to have been described.

The work and discoveries of Carl Ludwig Blume in botany, and more particularly in orchids, are considerable. Although of German origin, he was a botanist for the government of the Dutch East Indies and became director of the renowned Bogor Botanical Garden (formerly Buitenzorg). His major work is the publication Rumphia, dealing with the flora of Java. In volume IV (1849), Vanda limbata is described.

The species belongs to a taxonomic complex of the section Deltoglossa covering a very wide geographical area within the Indonesian archipelago. This taxonomic situation is complex and subject to future changes through new studies and/or DNA analyses.

At Java begins the range of Vanda limbata, growing from sea level up to 700 m, which implies cultivation in warm conditions. The main form found on the island is an attractive brown, moderately tessellated form. A second form is yellow, more densely tessellated.

To the east, from Lombok to Flores, Vanda limbata is replaced by Vanda perplexa. Always progressing through Nusa Tenggara (the Lesser Sunda Islands), and further east of Timor, the very rare Vanda punctata is found on isolated islands in the extreme southeastern Moluccas, such as Yamdena.

There is a “flava” form of Vanda limbata, yellowish and uncommon.

You will find on this site, coming very soon, an article on Vanda perplexa as well as another allowing distinction between these two often-confused species.

Vanda limbata was generally cited as occurring in the Philippine archipelago. Indeed, the reported specimens showed undeniable similarities with this taxon but also clear differences, and no study had been carried out. The botanist and taxonomist Martin Motes clarified the situation and demonstrated the existence of a distinct species in the Philippines, named Vanda mariae.

The name “limbata” is derived from the Latin “limbatus”, meaning “bordered or edged”, referring to the margin around petals and sepals.

Répartition

In Indonesia, mainly Java and Madura. Destario Metusala relates that the geographical transition between Vanda limbata and Vanda perplexa occurs from Lombok to Flores. Martin Motes mentions a form of Vanda limbata also in Flores.

Flowers

4 cm, bright and pleasantly fragrant during the day. Sepals and petals brown, slightly undulate. Lip matte rose-magenta, pandurate, with a median constriction reminiscent of a violin shape and 5 to 7 keels at its base. Margin around the tepals. Lateral lobes small and rectangular.

Inflorescence

15 to 20 flowers, sub-erect, up to 30 cm and longer than the leaves.

Plant

Large plant, sometimes exceeding one meter. Leaves recurved and canaliculate, irregularly toothed at the apex.