Anoectochilus
(pronounced: an-nek-toh-KYE-luss)
Classification
Cranichideae subtribe Goodyerinae
Overview
Succulent terrestrials creeping by their prostrate rhizomes, the rhizomes rooting at the nodes. Stems erect, leafy at the apex. Leaves petiolate, usually richly veined and patterned, with tubular translucent sheaths. Inflorescences terminal, erect, pedunculate racemes. Flowers often secund. Sepals and petals free, the dorsal sepal and petals usually appressed forming a hood over the column, the lateral sepals usually spreading-reflexed, the sepals usually pubescent on the back. Lip saccate at the base, tubular at the middle with accessory flanges to either side, the apex bilobed with the lobes strongly divergent. Column short with a pair of narrow apical wings (stelidia), usually with two stigmas; pollinia 2, sessile on a common viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek anoiktos, meaning open, and cheilos, meaning lip, referring to the flared apex of the lip.
Distribution
A genus of about 40 species extending from Sri Lanka to the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Anoectochilus in bulb pans in loam high in organic matter. Provide warm temperatures, low light, regular watering throughout the year, and high humidity. Anoectochilus are ideally suited for terrarium culture and fluorescent light gardening. Temperature extremes and drafts should be avoided.
Literature
Hu, S. Y. 1971. Anoectochilus yungianus, a new species of Orchidaceae. Quart. J. Taiwan Mus. 24:257-262. Lin, T.-P. and C.-C. Hsu 1976. Orchid genera, Anoectochilus and Odontochilus of Taiwan. Taiwania 21:229-236.
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