Black orchid (flower)

A black orchid was a rare orchid with black flowers found only in South America.

History
The black orchid was held sacred by an Amazonian tribe called the Kojabe, who considered themselves its guardians.

When botanist George Cranleigh attempted to steal a black orchid in 1924, the natives captured, tortured and mutilated him — including cutting out his tongue — for his crime. George was discovered and rescued by a friendly tribe led by Latoni, who returned him home, but was left disfigured and deranged by his ordeal at the Kojabe's hands.

One of the black orchids that he had brought back previously was stored in a glass display case at Cranleigh Hall. (TV: Black Orchid)