The Common Spathoglottis (Spathoglottis Plicata) belongs to the orchid family. This beautiful orchid is one of the toughest 'weeds' in Singapore. The pleated, elliptic leaves ranged from less than 30cm long to about 1m in length, arising from the bulb-like fleshy stems called pseudobulbs. The flowering shoot varies from 20cm to 1.5m in height, bearing flowers with sepals & petals ranging from white to dark rosy-purple. Some forms are self-pollinating & can reproduce by itself (weeds).
A traditional use of the plant's large leaves has been for wrapping parcels, & accordin to Oang Asli folklore, a decoction of the plant can be used for rheumatism.
It can be a ground cover or grown for ornamental purposes. However, it is prone to scale insect attack .
Pictures can be seen here http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Spathoglottis%20plicata/Main.html
