Cyrtostylis
(pronounced: sir-toh-STYE-liss)
Classification
Diurideae subtribe Acianthinae
Overview
Miniature terrestrials arising from small tubers. Stems extremely short. Leaves one, heart-shaped, appressed to the soil. Inflorescences terminal, pedunculate, wiry racemes. Flowers semitranslucent reddish-green to reddish-brown. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip unlobed, sessile, with a pair of basal calli. Column erect, arching, with a pair of basal auricles, with conspicuous wings, without foot; pollinia 4, strongly compressed, naked.
Etymology
From the Greek kyrtos, meaning curved or swollen, and stylis, meaning column, probably referring to the swelling of the column below the stigma.
Distribution
A genus of four species native to Australasia.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cyrtostylis in small pots of terrestrial mixture or in living sphagnum moss. Provide medium light levels, intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. The plants should never fully dry out.
Literature
Jones, D. L. and M. A. Clements 1987. Reinstatement of the genus Cyrtostylis R. Br. and its relationship with Acianthus R. Br. (Orchidaceae). Lindleyana 2(3):156-160. Kores, P. J., M. Molvray and S. P. Darwin 1993. Morphometric variation in three species of Cyrtostylis (Orchidaceae). Syst. Bot. 18(2):274-282.
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