Phaius francoisii

[Dorsetman]

I have been growing this for some five or more years, wondering how I could make it flower, or is it big enough anyway ; then suddenly up popped this spike. Flowers about 6 cm across, quite a remarkable lip !
Has not always been a Phaius - although the foliage looks like a smaller version of the well-known P.tankervilliae, the bulbs are much harder and more definite - maybe thats just a matter of sheathing leaves .Seen here in a five inch pot ; the spike is some 2 foot high.

[mmursuli]

Um, your plants are gorgeous. If I'm ever on the other side of the pond, I'm visiting your orchids! LOL!

[panam]

This is such a pretty flower - a beautiful dove bursting out of there!

[blrnut]

unique and very beautiful!

[orchidsal]

A very extraordinary orchid Geoff. Though I am sure it is hard to find over here in the States, I will keep a eye out for it. After five years I bet that spike was a pleasant surprise! AL

[walingwaling]

certainly showy!!!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That is a really interesting orchid bloom. I have had a phaius for quite some time now, but no blooms so far. I think it is old enough to bloom, just hasn't done it yet.

cheers,
BD

[mazlani]

Orchid teaches you perseverance and look at the reward, Congrats Geoff.

[paphioboy]

Interesting phaius species... I only have tankervilliae...

[zainal abidin]

Very pretty never seen this one.