Oeonia
(pronounced: oh-ee-OH-nee-ah)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Angraecinae
Overview
Vining monopodial epiphytes, often hemiepiphytic with the base of the stems initially terrestrial. Stems elongate, leafy, rooting at the nodes. Leaves alternate, distichous, leathery. Inflorescences axillary racemes, the floral bracts insigificant. Flowers showy. Sepals and petal free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip three-lobed, the midlobe variously lobulate, with a short spur. Column short, without wings or a foot; pollinia 2, each sessile on a distinct viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek oinos, a bird of prey.
Distribution
A genus of four species endemic to Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Pot plants of Oeonia in a mixture that retains moisture and attach the stems to slabs covered with a layer of moisture-retaining material. The aerials roots are particularly sensitive and no attempt should be made to cover them with potting material or moss. Provide medium light levels, intermediate temperatures, and very high humidity. Water daily with supplemental misting during warmer or drier weather.
Literature
Bosser, J. 1989[1990]. Contribution à l’étude des Orchidaceae de Madagascar et des Mascareignes, XXVI. Adansonia, sér. 4, 11:369-382. Hermans, J. and C. Hermans 1997. Oeonia. Orchids 66(10):1050-1054.
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