Graphorkis

Cymbidieae subtribe Cyrtopodiinae. Graphorkis is similar to Eulophia and is combined with that genus by some authors. It differs by its strictly epiphytic habit, always branched racemes (panicles), and the beak-like rostellum which is unlike the short, br

Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs oblong, subtended by foliaceous bracts. Leaves one, elliptic-lanceolate, acute. Inflorescences suberect panicles, the peduncle bracts and bracts at the base of the branches conspicuous to twice as long as the ovaries, the floral bracts lanceolate, less than half the length of the ovaries. Flowers numerous. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, the midlobe two lobulate, spurred, the callus a pair of basal keels. Column stout, with a pair of pubescent swellings at the base, without wings or foot, elongate-toothed at the apex; pollinia 2, sessile on a minute viscidium.

From the Greek graphe, meaning writing, and orchis, meaning orchid. The meaning of the name is obscure.

A genus of five species ranging from West Africa to Madagascar. The genus is sometimes misspelt Graphorchis.

Robbins, S. 1990. Graphorkis ecalcarata, a rare Madagascan orchid recently awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society. Orchid Rev. 98:176-179.

Senghas, K. 1964. Die Gattung Graphorkis (= Eulophiopsis). Die Orchidee 15:61-66.