Acrorchis
(pronounced: ak-ROHR-kiss)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae
Overview
Trailing epiphytes or terrestrials. Stems erect, leafy. Leaves alternate, distichous, articulate-jointed. Inflorescences terminal, fasciculate, few-flowered. Flowers cup-shaped. Sepals and petals free, subequal. Lip unlobed to obscurely three-lobulate, mostly free from the column, tubular at the base, the callus basal with transverse lamellate ridges towards the apex. Column stout, straight; pollinia 4, on individual caudicles.
Etymology
From the Greek acros, meaning mountain peak, and orchis, meaning orchid, referring to the high elevation habitat.
Distribution
A monotypic genus native to Costa Rica and Panama.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Acrorchis in small, shallow pans of sphagnum moss under cool temperatures and provide them with bright light. Water regularly and do not allow the root systems to dry out fully between waterings.
Literature
Dressler, R. L. 1990. Acrorchis, a new genus from the mountains of Panama and Costa Rica. OrquÃdea(Mex.) 12:11-17.
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