Artorima
(pronounced: ar-toh-RYE-mah)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae. Closely related to Encyclia, which it superficially resembles, Artorima differs by the remarkably expanded, bilobed column wings and the slit-like stigma.
Overview
Scrambling, climbing epiphytes. Rhizome prominent, rooting at the nodes along its length. Pseudobulbs conic-ovoid, well-spaced. Leaves several, clustered at the apex of the pseudobulb. Inflorescences erect, terminal, long-pedunculate panicles. Flowers showy, with spreading segments. Sepals subsimilar, subequal, elliptic, free. Petals obovate-pandurate, irregularly and broadly undulate. Lip three-lobed, with basal callus keels. Column straight, the anther bed shallowly hooded, the stigma slit-like, mostly hidden behind the column wings; pollinia 4.
Etymology
From the Latin artus, meaning narrow or tight, and rima, meaning cleft, referring to the peculiar column and stigma structure.
Distribution
A monotypic genus endemic to Mexico.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Artorima on large vertical slabs without any moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide cold conditions and full light. During the flowering season in nature, the plants are subjected to frequent light frosts. Water frequently while in active growth and only sporadically to prevent shrivelling of the pseudobulbs at other times of the year.
Literature
Greenwood, E. W. 1983. Artorima erubescens (Lindl.) Dressler y Pollard. Notas sobre el mecanismo de polinizacion. OrquÃdea(Mex.) 9(1):113-118.
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