When you see this octopus-like thing, will you have the illusion of entering the underwater world? Of course, this "octopus" is not a real octopus, so it can't swim. It is an orchid called an octopus.

Prosthechea cochleata is an epiphyte of the Orchidaceae family, native to Central America. , is also the national flower of Belize, locally known as the "black orchid". Obviously, the name of the octopus orchid comes from its flowers that resemble a small octopus: the lip is like the head of an octopus, and the wing petals and sepals are linear, slightly twisted and naturally drooping, and it looks like an octopus's claws from a distance (although Only 5 claws). It is also called the scallop orchid because its lips resemble a beautiful scallop.

The pseudobulb of Octopus orchid is smooth, plump, juicy, ovoid to ellipsoid, slightly flattened, with 2 or 3 oval-lanceolate leaves at the top. Its pseudobulb mucus is also a raw material for glue adhesives. In its place of origin, people extract its pseudobulb mucus to make glue.

The inflorescences are upright and sprout from the top of mature pseudobulbs. Blooming in sequence, the upside-down flowers (contrary to other orchids, that is, its lips are located above instead of below), look from a distance like a group of lively little octopuses playing with each other. The flowering period lasts for half a year, making it a highly ornamental flower. Value of orchids.

An octopus orchid in the exquisite orchid exhibition area of ​​the South China National Botanical Garden’s Greenhouse Scenic Area-Exotic Plant Room is in bloom. Come and watch these lively and cute "little octopuses"!