Phalaenopsis equestris

Phalaenopsis equestris, Kard Lud-wig Blume 1825, was introduced into cultivation in 1833.  It is an orchid species that is in the tribe Vandeae and subtribe Aeridinae.  Native to the Philippines and Southern Taiwan, it grows from sea-level to 300 meters near the streams in hot and warm valleys.  P. equestris can flower anytime but the most common flowering months are between September and April. These plants are monopodial so one main stem produces all the leaves and flowers. Flowers are usually  purple and have five petals that are between 1.5-3 cm in length. Also, P. equestris is commonly used for breeding. It is used as one of the parents to breed miniature species with many flowering branches. These are commonly house plants.

Specimen used for DNA extraction

Specimen used for DNA extraction

References:

http://www.phalaenopsis.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4582

http://www.aos.org/images/img_content/Education/Phal_equestris-me.jpg

http://www.orchidspecies.com/phalequestris.htm

http://books.google.com/books?id=pcqTWGLwdaoC&pg=PA134&lpg=PA134&dq=phalaenopsis+equestris+used+for+breeding&source=bl&ots=x1scruklJy&sig=w0Z5hjNnECJ90A63JYxelzEvX6M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=S5iZT7qRAY-k8QTS7P2iBg&ved=0CHQQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q=phalaenopsis%20equestris%20used%20for%20breeding&f=false