Plectrophora
(pronounced: plek-troh-FOR-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae. Formerly included in a broadly defined Trichocentrum Poeppig and Endlicher, Plectrophora are readily separated by their fan-shaped plants bearing usually equitant leaves and foliaceous bracts and the presence of a double
Award Photo Gallery
This gallery contains examples of AOS award photos within this alliance.
(click an image above to view the close-up gallery with name and award granted for each orchid pictured)
If you are an AOS Member, access OrchidPro online to browse and search over 100,000 photos of award-winning orchids and more.
If you are not an AOS member, discover the benefits of joining today
Overview
Miniature, caespitose, laxly pendent epiphytes with fan-shaped growths. Pseudobulbs small, compressed, subtended by usually equitant, usually foliaceous bracts that grade with the leaf, concealed by imbricate bases of the bracts. Leaves solitary, often slightly smaller than the uppermost foliaceous bract. Inflorescences short, axillary pedunculate thyrses, subequal to the pseudobulbs. Flowers produced successively, +/- tubular. Sepals and petals free, subsimilar or with much broader petals, the lateral sepals with a long slender spur. Lip unlobed, tubular, often notched at the apex, with a long slender spur inside the sepaline spur. Column stout; pollina 2, on a common stipe and minute viscidium.
Distribution
A genus of ten species native Mesoamerica and South America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount Plectrophora on small slabs with a small pad of moisture retaining material at the roots. Provide bright light. Higher elevation species require cool-intermediate temperatures and regular watering. Lower elevation species require intermediate to warm temperatures and should be allowed to fully dry out between waterings.
Literature
Bock, I. 1999. Plectrophora triquetra (Rolfe) Cogn. 1904. Die Orchidee 50(3): Orchideenkartei Seite 901-902. Jenny, R. 1999. Eine neue Plectrophora-Arten aus Brasilien. J. Orchideenfr. 6(1):42-47.
FREE ACCESS: Orchid DealWire
Get notified when orchid vendors have special promotions and exclusive savings.
