Papilionanthe orchids

Papilionanthe species are epiphytic subshrubs or subshrubs. They occur from Nepal to China south Yunnan and Indo-China, the Indian Subcontinent to southern China, central and east Himalaya to Assam, and Indo-China to west Malesia. They grow in wet tropical climates at elevations from 1200 to 1900 metres. Plants are large or giant and prefer cool to intermediate temperatures. Most species are fragrant and bloom in spring and summer.

Seventeen species and four hybrids are catalogued. Example species are Papilionanthe teres, Papilionanthe hookeriana, Papilionanthe vandarum and Papilionanthe biswasiana. Example registered hybrids are Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim and Papilionanthe Mundyi.