Source: Wikimedia Commons
Three-keeled Calanthe
AdvancedCalanthe tricarinata
A montane Calanthe whose yellow-green flowers carry a wrinkled, reddish-brown hanging lip, likened to a monkey's face. It grows on the floor of cool mountain forests such as beech woods and dislikes summer heat.
About
Calanthe tricarinata is a terrestrial orchid. Its Japanese name, saru-men (monkey face), refers to the wrinkled reddish-brown lip, and the species name to the three ridges on the lip. In Japan it occurs from Hokkaido through Honshu and Shikoku to Kyushu on the floor of deciduous mountain forest such as beech woods; outside Japan it grows in the Himalayas, south-western China, Taiwan and Korea, always in cool, high-elevation forest. It has two to four leaves 15-25 cm long, and from April to June raises a stem 30-50 cm tall with 7-15 flowers opening from the bottom up, their sepals and petals yellow-green. Unlike most Calanthe, the lip has no spur. Natural hybrids with C. discolor and C. striata are known. As a plant of cool mountains, keeping it through summer heat is the main challenge in lowland gardens. It is assessed as Vulnerable on Japan's Ministry of the Environment Red List, with collecting for gardens among the causes of decline. Specialist wildflower nurseries in Japan sell it; choose plants raised from seed or division rather than wild-collected ones.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Three-keeled Calanthe
The Three-keeled Calanthe grows to Leaves 15-25 cm; flower stem 30-50 cm tall.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Hokkaido to Kyushu), Korea, Taiwan, SW China and the Himalayas
Lifespan
Perennial; individual pseudobulbs can persist for over ten years
Size
Leaves 15-25 cm; flower stem 30-50 cm tall
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little dilute liquid fertilizer from spring to early summer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
A plant of the deciduous forest floor: give bright light in spring and a cool, shaded spot out of strong summer sun.
Watering
Do not let the soil dry out completely, but use a free-draining mix so the roots do not rot from excess water.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is cold-hardy but dislikes heat; the key is keeping it cool and airy through summer.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in a free-draining mix of kanuma, pumice and leaf mould. Repot after flowering or in autumn.
Pests & Cautions
Calanthe readily pick up viruses, which cannot be cured. Sterilise tools between plants and isolate affected ones. Buy propagated plants, not wild-collected ones.
Three-keeled Calanthe FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Three-keeled Calanthe?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Three-keeled Calanthe get?
The mature size of Three-keeled Calanthe is Leaves 15-25 cm; flower stem 30-50 cm tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Three-keeled Calanthe?
Three-keeled Calanthe: watering & fertilizer — A little dilute liquid fertilizer from spring to early summer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Three-keeled Calanthe?
The price of Three-keeled Calanthe varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Calanthe tricarinata Lindl.
Synonyms: Alismorchis tricarinata (Lindl.) Kuntze, Alismorkis tricarinata (Lindl.) Kuntze, Calanthe brevicornu subsp. megalophora (Franch.) Finet, Calanthe brevicornu var. megalophora (Franch.) Finet, Calanthe lamellata Hayata, Calanthe megalopha Franch.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. It is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the Ministry of the Environment Red List. It is native to Japan and is not designated as a Nationally Rare Species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (checked against the Ministry of the Environment list). Some prefectures restrict collecting wild plants by ordinance, so choose nursery-propagated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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