Collabium
(pronounced: kol-LAY-bee-um)
Classification
subtribe Collabiinae, of unknown affinity.
Overview
Terrestrials, trailing by elongate prostrate rhizome segments, rarely subcaespitose. Pseudobulbs slender, cylindric, often curved. Leaves one, elliptic, sessile. Inflorescences terminal erect long-pedunculate racemes produced on a specialized leafless stem, the floral bracts often conspicuous. Flowers cupped. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar. Lip three-lobed, spurred, with longitudinal callus keels. Column elongate, somewhat club-shaped, without foot, with small subapical wings; pollinia 2, naked.
Etymology
From the Latin collum, meaning neck, and labium, meaning lip, for the base of the lip which embraces the column like a collar.
Distribution
A genus of 11 species ranging from the Himalayas to Fiji.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Collabium in shallow bulb-pans of a friable, highly organic terrestrial mixture. Provide cool-intermediate temperatures, medium light levels, and regular watering throughout the year. Plants of Collabium typically do not flower with each new growth: several vegetative growths are produced before a specialized shoot with an inflorescence is generated.
Literature
van der Burgh, W. and E. F. de Vogel 1997. Revision of the orchid genera Chrysoglossum, Collabium, Diglyphosa, and Pilophyllum (subtribe Collabiinae). Orch. Monogr. 8:135-174.
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