Common Name: Snow orchid tree, Dwarf white orchid tree. Tamil name: Vellaimandaarai
Snow orchid tree is native to South East Asia and is a common household ornamental shrub in Tamilnadu. It grows to a height of about 2 meters. The leaf of this shrub is arranged in an alternate manner; the leaves are bifid; the separation extends to nearly 1/3 of the leaf length. The leaf measures around 11 cm in length. The leaf shape is ovate, and the two bifid lobes end in an acuminate manner; the base is rounded or slightly cordate. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary cyme. The open flower has 5 sparkling snow white petals; the flower measurers around 9 cm across. The petals are ovate in shape and measure around 4.2 cm in length. The fruit is in the form of a pod measuring around 8 cm in lenght.The sepals have a spatheceous attachment. The flowers are mildly fragrant. This shrub is cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal value. The leaf and tender parts of the plant are edible.
