Common name: Checkered vanda, Grey orchid. Tamil name: Katankuli
Checkered Vanda is monopodial , epiphytic, perennial orchid native to Indo-China region. It is a fairly big orchid, the stem can grow to more than 60 cm and the roots spread over 2 meters on the bark of trees. The leafs are succulent they are curved backward and folded from sides. The leafs can grow to over 18 cm in length. The inflorescence is in the form of a raceme which contain about 6-10 flowers , the raceme can grow to around 25 cm in length. The flower measure around 4.5 cm across. The sepal is yellow the flower has a checked color pattern with brown and yellow splashes. The lip of the flower is blue. The fruit is in the form of a capsule which is around 9 cm long. The plant is extensively used in all traditional methods of medicine. In south East Asia the plant juice is consumed as a health drink. In Ayurveda the plant is used in the treatment of nervous disorders.
