Holcoglossum kimballianum x Rhynchostylis

Description

Here’s a detailed botanical and horticultural description of Holcoglossum kimballianum × Rhynchostylis, an intergeneric orchid hybrid between the Asian genus Holcoglossum and the Rhynchostylis genus (typically using Rhynchostylis gigantea as the pollinator parent).

🌿 Overview: Intergeneric Hybrid – ×Holcostylis

• Nothogenus name: ×Holcostylis (Holcoglossum × Rhynchostylis)

• Parent species usually involved:

  • Holcoglossum kimballianum — a compact, fragrant, cool- to intermediate-growing Holcoglossum species

  • Rhynchostylis gigantea — a warm-growing, intensely fragrant foxtail orchid species

• Nature: Primary intergeneric hybrid with combined traits of both genera.

🌸 Parent Descriptions (to understand what the hybrid inherits)

🌱 Holcoglossum kimballianum (Species)

• Growth habit: Epiphytic (grows on bark/trees) or lithophytic (on rocks); monopodial with terete (cylindrical) leaves.

• Leaves: Slender, cylindrical, light to medium green.

• Flowers:

  • White to pale hues with a contrasting purple to magenta lip, often fragrant.

  • Flowers typically 3.5–5 cm across, long-lived and showy in racemes.

• Climate: Cool to intermediate growth, sometimes tolerant of warmer conditions with sufficient air movement.

🌱 Rhynchostylis gigantea (Species)

• Growth habit: Warm-growing, monopodial epiphyte with thick leathery leaves.

• Flowers:

  • Dense racemes of waxy, very fragrant blooms (often described as spicy or citrus-like).

  • Color range includes white, spotted, pink-white, and red varieties.

• Climate: Tropical; prefers warm, humid, bright but indirect light.