Nun's hood orchid

Phaius tankarvilleae

Description:

This large, white and magenta orchid is also known as Chinese ground orchid and Twelve Apostles. The flowers are fragrant. This is yet another introduced and naturalized species in Hawaii.

Habitat:

Seen in the mixed forest of Lava Tree State Park partly in the shade. The soil is likely fertile. The annual climate is warm and humid.

Species ID Suggestions

10 Comments

mauna Kunzah 11 years ago

Thank you, Nick! It's called Nun's Hood because the shape of the flower resembles a traditional nun's hood.

Nick_Ilievski 11 years ago

Why is it called "Nun's"? Amazing work by the way!

mauna Kunzah 11 years ago

Thanks, RiekoS!

RiekoS 11 years ago

Very nice.

mauna Kunzah 11 years ago

I think you're correct, Despina. That's the flower that most closely resembled this one when I did a quick search. Thanks again! I'll update this.

DespinaTsafetopoulou 11 years ago

I think that orchid is a Phaius tankarvilleae -Nun's-hood Orchid
http://wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/821/...

Dan Doucette 11 years ago

Glad to help.

mauna Kunzah 11 years ago

Also, I think you're on the right track about it being a Phaius sp. I compared to other photos.

mauna Kunzah 11 years ago

Thanks! Yes, it was growing in the ground among trees in a State Park. I'll be sure to add it to the mission.

Dan Doucette 11 years ago

Beautiful orchid! I´m thinking it may be a species of Phauis, but I´m not sure.
You could put it in the Wild Orchids mission. Was it growing in the ground?
http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8564...