Cryptostylis
(pronounced: krip-toh-STYE-liss)
Classification
Diurideae subtribe Cryptostylidinae
Overview
Terrestrials with fleshy fasciculate roots. Stems short, adjacent to the inflorescences. Leaves few, rosulate, lanceolate, acute-acuminate, long-petiolate. Inflorescences basal, erect, long-pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous, Flowers not resupinate, erect to nodding, spidery. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip unlobed, sessile, subauriculate, with knobby callus along its length. Column short, without foot, with prominent wings continuous with the clinandrium; pollinia 2, mealy, on a common minute viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden, and stylis, meaning style, referring to the short column’s being hidden in a small chamber at the base of the lip.
Distribution
A genus of about 30 species from India to Australia and Samoa. The flowers of all species are quite similar.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cryptostylis in small pots of terrestrial mixture. Provide medium light levels, intermediate temperatures, and regular wateing throughout the year.
Literature
Coleman, E. 1927. Pollination of Cryptostylis leptochila FvM. Vict. Nat. 44:20-22. Coleman, E. 1928. Pollination of Cryptostylis leptochila FvM. Vict. Nat. 44:333-340. Coleman, E. 1929. Pollination of an Australian orchid Cryptostylis leptochila F. Muell. J. Bot. 1929:97-100. Coleman, E. 1929. Pollination of an Australian orchid by the male Ichneumonid Lissopimpla semipunctata Kirby. Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 76(2):533-539. Coleman, E. 1929. Pollination of Cryptostylis subulata (Labill.) Reichb. Vict. Nat. 46:62-66. Coleman, E. 1930. Pollination of Cryptostylis erecta R. Br. Vict. Nat. 46:236-238. Coleman, E. 1933. Further notes on the pollination of Cryptostylis subulata (Labill.) Reichb. Vict. Nat. 50:41-44.
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