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Fox Tail Orchid
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Fox Tail Orchid

Rhynchostylis

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
Related

Basic Details

NameFox Tail Orchid
DescriptionStriking epiphytic orchid with dense, cylindrical flower spikes resembling a fox's tail, featuring hundreds of small, fragrant blooms tightly packed along the stem. Flowers come in white, pink, or purple with distinctive spotted patterns and emit a sweet, spicy fragrance. Native to Southeast Asia, these compact orchids are prized for their showy displays and relatively easy care, making them popular among orchid enthusiasts.
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusRhynchostylis
TribeVandeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula↓ ⚥ P3+3 A1 G(3)

Zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), Bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (3 sepals + 3 petals, one petal modified into labellum/lip), 1 stamen fused with style into column, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • Etymology: Genus name 'Rhynchostylis' from Greek 'rhynchos' (beak) and 'stylos' (column), referring to beak-like column structure. Common name 'Fox Tail' describes dense, cylindrical flower spikes resembling a fox's bushy tail. About 4-6 Rhynchostylis species. Closely related to Vanda orchids. Popular in orchid breeding
  • Unique Characteristics: Dense cylindrical flower spikes 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long with 50-100+ small flowers tightly packed in bottle-brush formation. Flowers 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) across, waxy texture, long-lasting (3-4 weeks). Sweet, spicy fragrance strongest in morning. Monopodial growth (single upward stem). Thick, fleshy aerial roots. Compact plant size ideal for small spaces
  • Plant Type & Blooming: Epiphytic perennial orchid (grows on trees in nature). Blooms winter to spring (December-April) depending on species. R. gigantea blooms winter, R. retusa spring. Flowers last 3-4 weeks. Can bloom multiple times per year with proper care. Fragrance strongest in morning hours
  • Size, Lifespan & Propagation: Height: 8-16 inches (20-40 cm). Spread: 6-10 inches (15-25 cm). Compact growth habit. Lifespan: 10-20+ years with proper care. Propagation: keikis (plantlets from nodes), division of mature plants (difficult). Slow to moderate growth rate. Takes 3-5 years from seedling to first bloom
  • Native Region & Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and southern China. R. retusa widespread across region. R. gigantea from Myanmar/Thailand. R. coelestis from Vietnam. Grows in tropical forests at elevations 300-3,000 feet (100-900 m), attached to tree branches
  • Climate & Growing Conditions: Thrives in bright indirect light (2,000-3,000 foot-candles), some direct morning sun. Prefers warm to intermediate temperatures: days 75-85°F (24-29°C), nights 60-65°F (15-18°C). Humidity: 60-80%. Excellent air circulation essential. Grow mounted on bark, in wooden baskets, or coarse bark mix. Water daily in summer, every 2-3 days in winter. Fertilize weekly with diluted orchid fertilizer. Needs winter rest with cooler nights to trigger blooming

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificRhynchostylis
English (Alternate)Foxtail Orchid, Rhynchostylis Orchid, and Bottle-Brush Orchid
Hindiफॉक्स टेल ऑर्किड (Phoks Tel Orkiḍ)
Tamilநரி வால் ஆர்க்கிட் (Nari Vāl Ārkiṭ)
Teluguనక్క తోక ఆర్కిడ్ (Nakka Tōka Ārikiḍ)
Malayalamകുറുക്കൻ വാൽ ഓർക്കിഡ് (Ḳurukkan Vāl Ōrkiḍ)
Kannadaನರಿ ಬಾಲ ಆರ್ಕಿಡ್ (Nari Bāla Ārkiḍ)
Sanskritलोमशपुच्छपुष्पम् (Lomaśapucchapuṣpam)
Bengaliফক্স টেল অর্কিড (Phaksa Ṭela arkiḍa)
Frenchorchidée queue de renard
Russianринхостилис (rinkho stillis)
Spanishorquídea cola de zorro
GermanFuchsschwanz-Orchidee

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.