Wild Orchids ‹‹ Go Back

Other than in Sri Lanka this species is found in the India, Nepal, and Myanmar to indo-china. The conservation status of the species under reference is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).
Vanda testacea is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.
This is a common species of wild orchid found in the dry and intermediate zones of the country and the mid hills.

I have observed this species in bloom in September at Kokagala in Padiyathalawa and  Monragala, in February at Arankele and in August at Kala Wewa.

Nilgiri Tit, a species of butterfly, lays its eggs on the flowers of this species. The caterpillars that emerge are well camouflaged amongst the flowers and will feed on the flowers until they move away from the plant in order to form themselves in to chrysalises.

In Wilpattu I have seen this species at Ochchappu Kallu and at Demata Wila. The flowers depicted on this page were photographed in September 2013 at Demata Wila growing on the trunk of an Ila Paththa Maba buxifolia tree.