Cystorchis
(pronounced: sis-TOR-kiss)
Classification
Cranichideae subtribe Goodyerinae
Overview
Trailing terrestrials rooting at the nodes, rarely saprophytes. Leaves spiralled, petiolate, clustered toward the stem apex. Inflorescences terminal pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts conspicuous. Flowers barely opening, pubescent, somewhat secund. Sepals and petals free, the petals appressed to the dorsal sepal. Lip unlobed, sessile, with strongly involute margins forming a narrow tube, bisaccate at the base with callus appendages (vesicles) insides the sacs. Column short with an elongate rostellum; pollinia 2, naked.
Etymology
From the Greek kystis, meaning bladder, and orchis, meaning orchid, referring to the inflated base of the lip.
Distribution
A genus of about 22 species ranging from China to Indonesia, Borneo, and the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cystorchis in bulb pans of terrestrial mixture. Provide medium to low light levels, warm temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. Plants of Cystorchis should never fully dry out.
Literature
Seidenfaden, G. and J. J. Wood. 1992. The orchids of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Olsen and Olsen, Fredensborg.
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