Dilomilis
(pronounced: dee-loh-MEE-liss)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes, lithophytes and terrestrials. Stems erect, leafy, clothed in persistent leaf sheaths. Leaves alternate, distichous, graduating in size from the base. Inflorescences terminal or subterminal racemes, rarely branched. Flowers somewhat nodding. Sepals and petals subsimilar, subequal, free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, with crest-like callus. Column stout, with a short foot; pollinia 8.
Etymology
From the Greek di, meaning twice, and loma, meaning fringe, referring to the two fringed crests on the lip.
Distribution
A genus of six species endemic to the Greater Antilles. Nir proposes to separate the Haitian D. filicina Dod as the monotypic genus Tomzanonia Nir on the basis of that species having a shortly clawed unlobed lip.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Dilomilis in pots with a potting mixture that retains moisture. Provide bright light, cool-intermediate temperatures, and steady watering throughout the year.
Literature
Dietrich, H. 1984. Orchidaceae cubanae novae II: Dilomilis bissei H. Dietrich, spec. nov. Die Orchidee 35:200-202. Dod, D. D. 1982. Dilomilis scirpoidea Schltr. y sus flores. Bol. Jardin Bot. Nac. 5(4):9. Nir, M. A. 1997. The genera Dilomilis Raf. and Tomzanonia, gen. nov. Lindleyana 12(4):180-187.
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