Cirrhaea

(pronounced: seer-AY-ah)

Classification

Maxillarieae subtribe Stanhopeinae

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Overview

Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid, ridged, subtended by papery bracts. Leaves one, plicate, petiolate. Inflorescences pendent pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers cupped, often facing upwards. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, long-clawed, with a small callus at the junction of the lobes. Column arching at the base, without wings or foot, the rostellum elongate; pollinia 2, oblong, on a common linear stipe and minute viscidium.

Etymology

From the Latin cirrus, meaning tendril, referring to the elongate rostellum.

Distribution

A genus of six species endemic to Brazil.

Care and Culture Card

See basic growing conditions and care information below.


Literature

Teuscher, H. 1976. Collector’s Item: Cirrhaea nasuta. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 45(1):23-25.
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