Brachystele
(pronounced: brack-ee-STEE-lee)
Classification
Cranichideae subtribe Spiranthinae
Overview
Miniature terrestrials arising from fleshy, tuberous roots. Leaves rosulate, often absent at flowering. Inflorescences terminal, erect, long-pedunculate, densely-flowered, spicate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers tubular, white. Sepals and petals free, subsimilar, subequal. Lip obscurely three-lobed, clawed, auriculate, without callus. Column short, with a short foot; pollinia 2, on a minute common viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek brachys, meaning short, and stele, meaning column, in reference to the very short rostellum.
Distribution
A genus of about 18 species found throughout the Neotropics.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Brachystele in small pots of sandy terrestrial mixture. Provide bright diffuse light, intermediate temperatures, and steady watering during the growing season. After flowering, reduce watering to a maintenance level until the onset of new growth.
Literature
Szlachetko, D. L. and R. González Tamayo 1998. A new species of Brachystele (Orchidaceae) from Western Mexico. IBUG Bol. Inst. Bot. 5(1-3):389-393.
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