Cypholoron
(pronounced: sye-foh-LOR-on)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae
Overview
Miniature epiphytes. Pseudobulbs minute, ellipsoid, subtended by foliaceous bracts subsimilar to the leaves, separated by short rhizome segments. Leaves one, bilaterally compressed. Inflorescences axillary few-flowered pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts minute. Flowers translucent, borne singly in succession. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip unlobed, spoon-shaped, with a minute basal callus. Column elongate, with apical sickle-shaped wings, the stigma basal, the anther dorsal; pollinia 2, on a common elongate spatulate stipe and minute viscidium, the pollinia borne at the base of the column.
Etymology
From the Greek kyphos, meaning bent, and loros, meaning strap, referring to the deflexed lip blade.
Distribution
A genus of two species from Andean South America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Cypholoron on small slabs with a pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots or in small pots of fine-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide bright light levels, regular watering throughout the year, and cool temperatures.
Literature
Dodson, C. H. and R. L. Dressler 1972. Two undescribed genera in the Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae. Phytologia 24(4):285-292. Senghas, K. 1994. Pterostemma, eine von der Evolution vergessene Orchideengattung? -- Erstnachweis der Gattung Cypholoron aus der Kulture. Die Orchidee 45:146-154.
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