Eurychone
(pronounced: yew-ree-KOH-nee)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Aerangidinae
Overview
Monopodial epiphytes. Stems short. Leaves alternate, distichous, obliquely bilobed at the apex. Inflorescences axillary, pendent racemes. Flowers translucent. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip unlobed, broadly funnel-shaped (cornucopia), with a short club-shaped spur. Column short, stout, the rostellum elongate, strap-shaped; pollinia 2, attached to a common linear stipe and visicidium.
Etymology
From the Greek eurys, meaning broad, and chone, meaning funnel, in reference to the characteristic lip shape.
Distribution
A genus of two species from tropical Africa.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount Eurychone on small slabs. Plants of E. rothschildiana should have minimal moisture-retaining material at the roots, the roots should dry out between waterings. They are resistant to periodically drying out and will only slowly decline if kept too dry. Plants of E. galeandrae are more delicate and should have a large pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. They should never be allowed to fully dry out or they will quickly decline. For both species provide medium light levels, warm temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year.
Literature
Herndon, C. N. 1997. Eurychones of Africa. Orchids 66(5):490-493. Piers, F. 1958. Orchids of Africa: Eurychone rothschildiana Schltr. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 27(11):755-756.
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