Hippeophyllum
(pronounced: hip-ee-oh-FILL-um)
Classification
Malaxideae
Overview
Trailing epiphytes producing fan-shaped growths separated by long rhizome segments. Leaves equitant, bilaterally compressed, fleshy. Inflorescences terminal, densely flowered spicate racemes. Flowers numerous, minute, not resupinate, greenish-white. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, subsaccate at the base. Column short; pollinia 4.
Etymology
From the Greek hippeus, meaning horseman, and phyllon, meaning leaf, referring to the equitant leaves.
Distribution
A genus of six species from Malaysia to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Reports of Hippeophyllum from Taiwan, based on H. pumilum Fukuyama ex Lin, are referrable to Oberonia.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Hippeophyllum on slabs without moisture-retaining material at the roots. The slab should be large enough to accomodate the scrambling plant habit. Provide medium light levels and warm temperatures. Water regularly throughout the year allowing the roots to dry out fully between waterings.
Literature
O’Byrne, P. 1994. Lowland orchids of Papua New Guinea. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore.
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