Ponerorchis graminifolia var. micropunctata("Satsumachidori")
Japanese name: サツマチドリ（薩摩千鳥） Scientific name:Ponerorchis graminifolia var. micropunctata
[Overview]
A perennial 7–20 cm tall, growing on damp rock walls in the mountains.
The 2–3 leaves are simple and alternate, linear, 7–12 cm long and 0.3–0.8 cm wide, with an entire margin.
The leaf base forms a sheath that clasps the stem.
A raceme at the stem tip densely bears several to 20 flowers.
The flowers are reddish purple to pale pink; the lateral sepals do not curve back, and the lip is deeply divided into 3 lobes with fine reddish purple spots.
Behind the flower is a thin, short spur.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division of bulbs.
It prefers partial shade, good ventilation and well-drained soil.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; water sparingly during winter dormancy.
In early summer, place a small amount of slow-release fertilizer on the soil, and in autumn apply diluted liquid fertilizer 1–2 times a month.
Pests and diseases include virus disease and aphids.
Prevent virus disease by spraying a fungicide regularly.
