The Leopard Orchid is used as a love charm, an antidote for bad dreams and to ward off lightning at traditional homesteads. This orchid is an epiphytic, a plant that grows on top of another – in this case on top of a tree. Its roots are adapted for it to stay anchored and survive up in a tree. It is often found in dry, hot river valleys of Southern Africa as well as the tropical areas of Africa. It is also known as the Trash Basket Orchid as its aerial roots create a makeshift container to catch falling leaves from the tree which act as nutrients. The Leopard Orchid blooms round about August.
