Cryptopus
(pronounced: krip-TOH-pus)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Angraecinae
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Overview
Vine-like monopodial epiphytes. Stems elongate, rooting along its length. Leaves alternate, distichous, oblong-elliptic, sessile, obliquely bilobed at the apex, leathery. Inflorescences extra-axillary long-pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts minute. Flowers white. Sepals and petals free, the petals lobulate. Lip three-lobed or five-lobed, with the lobes mimicking the petals, with a long slender spur. Column very short, without wings or foot; pollinia 2, on a common linear stipe and linear-lanceolate viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden, and pous, meaning foot, referring to Lindley’s belief that the stipes and visidium of the pollinarium were concealed in a pouch.
Distribution
A genus of three species from Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cryptopus on totem-pole slabs without any mositure-retaining material at the roots. Provide warm to intermediate temperatures, bright light levels, and regular watering thoughout the year. The plants are easily shocked by root disturbance despite their almost entirely aerial root system. Best success is had with young seedlings which are allowed to grow out of their pots and onto an adjacent totem without physical disturbance of the roots.
Literature
Bosser, J. 1969. Contribution a l’étude des Orchidaceae de Madagascar, XI. Sur les affinites des genres Cryptopus Lindl. et Neobathieae Schltr. Adansonia, sér. 2, 9(4):539-547.
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