Eriopsis
(pronounced: er-ee-OP-siss)
Classification
A genus of unknown affinity.
Overview
Caespitose terrestrials or occasionally epiphytes. Roots descending or apogeotrophic. Pseudobulbs ovoid-subcylindric. Leaves 2--3, narrowly linear-elliptic, petiolate, acuminate, leathery. Inflorescences erect, long-pedunculate, cylindric racemes, the floral bracts minute. Flowers showy, long-lasting. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, spreading, oblong-elliptic to elliptic, obtuse. Lip three-lobed, concave, the callus a pair of basal keels +/- additional ornamentation. Column club-shaped, arching, with very narrow wings, with a short broadly fleshy foot; the pollinia 2, with a longitudinal suture on one side, sessile on a common braodly triangular viscidium.
Etymology
From the orchid genus Eria and opsis, meaning a resemblance, referring to a similarity to the genus Eria.
Distribution
A genus of about six species from throughout the Neotropics.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Eriopsis in pots or baskets of medium-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide medium light levels, intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. Plants in cultivation are often difficult to flower and the plants appear to flower best when pot-bound.
Literature
Hunt, P. F. 1972. Eriopsis biloba. Bot. Mag. 178(4): t. 611.
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