Helonoma
(pronounced: hee-loh-NOH-mah)
Classification
Cranichideae subtribe Spiranthinae
Overview
Terrestrials with short stems and fleshy, fasciculate roots. Leaves rosulate, petiolate. Inflorescences long-pedunculate racemes. Flowers tubular, inconspicuous. Sepals and petals fused at their bases forming a tube and a nectary fused to the ovary. Lip unlobed, clawed, auriculate, without callus. Column short; pollinia 2, +/- fused, sessile on a minute common viscidium .
Etymology
From the Greek helonomous, meaning living in a bog or marsh, referring to the habitat of the species.
Distribution
A genus of two species from northern South America previously included in the African genus Manniella Reichenbach.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Helonoma in pots of living sphagnum moss. Provide cool temperatrues, medium to low light levels, and regular watering throughout the year. The roots of Helonoma should never dry out for any length of time.
Literature
Garay, L. A. 1980. A generic revision of the Spiranthinae. Bot. Mus. Leafl. Harv. Univ. 28(4):277-425.
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