Crested Coelogyne

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pleione speciosissima
• Coelogyne cristata f. hololeuca
• Cymbidium speciosissimum
• Coelogyne cristata var. hololeuca

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Asparagales and the family Orchidaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Coelogyne.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is specifically documented to grow in the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Its range extends significantly into the Indian Subcontinent, where it can be found in Assam and throughout the East Himalaya. Additionally, the species is present in the neighboring country of Bangladesh. Finally, its natural habitat also encompasses the mountainous terrain of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Coelogyne cristata is defined by its specific distribution within montane environments, where it thrives across a distinct altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found inhabiting mid-to-high altitude zones, occupying an elevational range that begins at 1300 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant adapts to the varying climatic conditions characteristic of mountain ecosystems, ranging from lower montane forests to higher elevations where environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations and mist patterns become more pronounced. This specific niche allows the species to occupy specialized microhabitats that support its growth requirements within its defined altitudinal limits.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Coelogyne cristata is characterized by its specialized existence as a lithophyte, an adaptation that allows it to thrive in rocky environments where organic matter is scarce. As a perennial orchid, its growth strategy is integrated into the stable yet challenging niches of stone surfaces, where it relies on its ability to anchor itself and scavenge moisture and nutrients from minimal substrates. This lithophytic life form dictates its developmental patterns, as the plant must manage water retention and nutrient uptake through specialized root systems capable of adhering to and penetrating crevices in rock formations. The lifecycle involves a slow but steady vegetative expansion, often forming colonies that colonize specific microhabitats suitable for its physiological needs. Its reproductive cycle, typical of many epiphytic and lithophytic orchids, involves the production of microscopic seeds that rely on specific fungal associations for germination, eventually maturing into complex structures that can withstand the periodic desiccation inherent to life on rocky substrates.

Life form :

lithophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Coelogyne cristata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. As an obligatory epiphyte, it thrives on other plants rather than in the soil, maintaining an independent existence without being a parasite. Although it exhibits a climbing tendency, it is classified as a self-supporting structure within its niche.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Coelogyne cristata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Chemicals

Coelogyne cristata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coelogin.

Coelogin

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Activities

Coelogyne cristata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.

Antimicrobial

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Conditions

Coelogyne cristata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include post menopausal osteoporosis.

Post menopausal osteoporosis

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Preparations

Coelogyne cristata has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts from their leaves, extracts from their pseudobulb.

Extracts from their leaves

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Extracts from their pseudobulb

1. Frontiers in pharmacology