Bletilla Rchb. f. 1852

Type Species: Bletilla striata (Thumb.) Rchb. f. 1878

Synonyms: Jimensia Raf. 1836
Polytoma (Gomes) Lour.

Tribe: ARETHUSEAE

Subtribe: BLETIINAE

Pronunciation: bleh-TIL-uh

Temperature: C.

Country: India, SE Asia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Pacific Islands

A terrestrial species which has lovely pleated (plicate) leaves and showy cattleya-like flowers which are usually quite long lasting. Flowers vary in colour from white to purple.