Phalaenopsis
gigantean (Phal-gig)
= Elephant. ear. orchid
Vergleich: Siehe: Asparagales
[Sally Williams]
The most widely grown orchids in the world are
the species and hybrids of Phalaenopsis. Phalaenopsis gigantea or “Elephant Ear
Orchid” is native to Borneo and was first described in 1909. Named for its
gigantic leaves that easily exceed 60 centimeters, it is the largest of the
Phalaenopsis species. The massive leaves are pendent, leathery, broadly
rounded, pale silver green and shiny on both surfaces, resembling “elephant
ears”. An epiphyte; it can be found growing in the tops of trees with the
massive roots wrapped around branches for support. In Borneo, the humidity is
high and rainfall is plentiful, although there is a drier season usually
towards the middle part of the winter. Generally, the plants grow with steeply
tilted leaves to shed water in order to prevent crown rot from occurring. The
flowering season is heaviest in the summer; the plant can bloom from 4-6 months
at a time. A typical Phalaenopsis gigantea flower has a natural spread of about
five centimeters. The flowers tend to have a cream or yellow background with
varying degrees of green around the column. The flowers have full, round petals
that are about equal in size, are usually overlapping and have raised red-brown
spots or blotches that can be felt with the fingers. Mature plants are capable
of producing hundreds of flowers on branching stalks reaching 40 centimeters.
Commentary:
The decision to prove Phalaenopsis gigantea
arose from the theory that orchids who mimic animals or have animal names may
address learning disabilities, even autism. The two successful cases I have
seen of this remedy were for a child on the Autistic spectrum who was obsessed
with elephants and an adult whose inabilities to communicate and learn well led
him to become depressed and withdraw from family and friends.
The central idea of Phalaenopsis gigantea is
confusion with a lack of comprehension and difficulty in concentration,
learning, retaining information, writing, and speaking. The proving
participants were enrolled in a homeopathic college. During the proving each
one temporarily had trouble learning and retaining information as if they had
learning disabilities. There was also difficulty with memory, fogginess of mind
and a dullness of senses, “not able to listen and remember almost as though I
cannot hear”. A patient given Phal-gig with success described it as “a feeling
of being underwater”.
Taking tests was difficult and many of them
failed an exam, but were able to take the test again and pass when the proving
was over. Yet one prover with a history of ADD did very well during the proving
and many of his concentration difficulties were subsequently curatively
resolved.
In addition, there was frustration over the
inability to communicate -- a feeling of being trapped by it with a desire to,
but inability to escape. These trapped feelings and scenarios came out in many
of the dreams of provers. The primary source of these feelings is a sense that
they can’t communicate effectively and are misunderstood. There was
irritability over misunderstandings, provoking arguments with co-workers,
friends and spouse. The more intense the inability to communicate became the
more the provers tended to withdraw. Ultimately, they felt lost and
directionless, feeling as if they did not belong.
Mental and Emotional Themes:
- Confusion/difficult concentration
- Frustration/Anger/Irritability
- Difficulty Learning, Writing, and Spelling
- Difficult communication
- Memory/forgetfulness
- Anxiety/Depression/Alienation/Suicide
- The Number Three
- Trapped/Escape/Resourceful
- Dogs/Animals
- Leaves/Trees/Mountains
Physical:
- Alcohol tolerance
- High/Low Energy
- Blurred vision
- Congestion and burning of eyes, nose and
sinuses
- Bitter/metallic taste
- Heartburn and reflux
- Lack of libido
- Heavy extremities/clumsy
- Sleepy/sleepless