Centroglossa
(pronounced: sen-troh-GLOS-sah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Ornithocephalinae
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Overview
Miniature caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs minute, subtended by 2--3 foliaceous bracts subequal to the leaves. Leaves one, strap-shaped. Inflorescences axillary, few-flowered racemes. Flowers shallowly cupped, greenish-white, rarely yellow. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, usually obscurely so, saccate-spurred, sessile. Column straight, without wings or foot, with erect-incurved basal appendages, the rostellum elongate; pollinia 4, in two pairs on an elongate, spatulate common stipe and minute viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek kentron, meaning spur, and glossa, meaning tongue, in allusion to the elongate-conic spur characteristic of the genus.
Distribution
A genus of six species endemic to Brazil. The lips of Centroglossa are very obscurely three-lobed with the exception of C. nunes-limae Pôrto and Brade which has a deeply three-lobed lip.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Centroglossa on small slabs or hardwood branches with a pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide bright light, cool-intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. It is essential to maintain high humidity.
Literature
Cogniaux, A. 1904. Centroglossa. In: Martius, C. F. P. (ed.). Flora Brasiliensis 3:188-192.
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