Phaius flavus

Phaius flavus (commonly known as the rock orchid) is a large terrestrial orchid (perennial) belonging to the genus Phaius in the Orchidaceae family, found primarily in Asia, including Japan.
In Japan, it grows wild in dim, moist forest floors from central Honshu southward.
It grows to a height of 40–60 cm and produces a row of oval, rough pseudobulbs about 3 cm tall near the ground surface.
It produces large, elliptical leaves with prominent vertical veins, similar to those of the Ebine orchid, measuring about 40 cm in length and 10 cm in width.
In spring, a flower stalk extends from the side of the pseudobulb, bearing a spike-like inflorescence at its tip.
The inflorescence bears about 10 pale yellow flowers, each 3–4 cm in diameter, with reddish-brown tips on the lips.

The Japanese name derives from the fact that, as an orchid, its pseudobulbs above ground are hard and rock-like.
The genus name “Phaius” comes from the Greek “phaios” (dark color), referring to the flower color of the type species.
The specific epithet “flavus” comes from the Latin “flavus” (meaning “yellow-flowered” or “bright yellow”), referring to the color of the petals.
It resembles Calanthe striata (commonly known as “Kie-bine” or “Yellow Shrimp Root”).

Common name: Phaius flavus,
Scientific name: Phaius flavus,
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Monocots, Order Asparagales, Family Orchidaceae, Genus Phaius, Species Phaius flavus,
Distribution: Japan, China, the Philippines, India, etc.; Habitat: Central Honshu and southward,
Life form: Terrestrial orchid (perennial),
Height: 40–60 cm
Pseudobulbs: Rows of oval-shaped pseudobulbs about 3 cm tall at ground level,
Monocotyledon, Leaf color: Green, Leaf length: 40 cm, Leaf width: 10 cm, Leaf shape: Large oval similar to Ebine orchids with prominent longitudinal wrinkles,
Flowering season: April–June, Inflorescence type: Spikelike inflorescence, Flower diameter: 3–4 cm, Petal structure: 3 outer perianth segments + 3 inner perianth segments (one of which is modified into a lip),
Petal shape: Narrow-elliptical and somewhat fleshy, Flower color: Pale yellow with the tip of the lip finely curled and edged in reddish-brown,
Use: Ornamental
Note: Endangered species

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