Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Luiperdorgidee, Tierorgidee, Leopard orchid, iMfeyenkawu

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Distribution: Southern Africa

Habitat: Mainly in hot dry river valleys

National red list: Declining

Life form: Epiphytic

Comments: It is very much in demand as a specimen plant in gardens. Traditionally used as a love charm, as an antidote for bad dreams and at homesteads to ward off lightning.
This is a large epiphytic orchid from southern Africa and is the only species in this genus. This orchid is not yet threatened, but continued overharvesting for commercial and medicinal purposes might be causing a decline in its numbers. It has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes: stem infusions or smoke from the burning roots are inhaled to counteract bad dreams; an infusion of the leaves and stems is used to treat madness; and it is used as a love charm and aphrodisiac. Recent studies have also indicated the presence of biomolecules which may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.