Eulophia R. Br. ex Lindl.

Abstract

A genus of some 220 species with greatest diversity on Africa, Eulophia has about 40 species distributed in tropical Asia reaching up to the Himalayan foothills. They are terrestrial herbs with above-ground pseudobulbs of subterranean rhizomes bearing thin, linear-lanceolate leaves which are deciduous. Inflorescence is erect, simple, many flowered, with flowers I green, yellow or brown. Some species have bicoloured flowers (Fig. 52.1). All species are extremely robust, and they are capable of withstanding pronounced drought: one species even survives in a desert. Flower shoots appear, followed by new leaves after a long dormant period. In nature, this occurs during the monsoon rains. To replicate this cyclical phenomenon, watering of cultivated plants should be withheld for several weeks or months when plants lose their leaves. Given proper treatment, Eulophia is easy to grow. Several species enjoy medicinal usage in Africa. Eulophia tubers are the principal source of Indian salep. Eulophia dabia (syn. Eulophia campestris) commands high prices in the Himalayan herb market because it is sold as an aphrodisiac.