Pterostemma
(pronounced: tayr-oh-STEM-mah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae
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Overview
Miniature pseudomonopodial epiphytes, the entire plant deep glowing red-purple. Leaves alternate, distichous, bilaterally compressed, with equitant sheaths. Inflorescences short, axillary, subcorymbose, few-flowered racemes. Flowers tubular, barely opening. Sepals and petals subsimilar, the dorsal sepal and petals free, the lateral sepals fused for most of their length. Lip unlobed, clawed, with a central raised mound. Column straight, with terminal wings lateral to the viscidium, the anther dorsal; pollinia 2, on a common linear stipe and minute viscidium.
Distribution
A monotypic genus endemic to Colombia. A reported second species forms the basis for Sarmenticola Senghas and Garay.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount Pterostemma on small slabs or twigs without an moisture retaining material at the roots. The plants apparently do not attach themselves firmly to the host but somewhat hang from a few anchor roots. Provide very bright light levels, cool temperatures, and water regularly throughout the year.
Literature
Ospina, M. H. 1967. Pterostemma antioquensis, un redescubrimienta. Orquideologia 2:8-12. Senghas, K. 1994. Pterostemma, eine von der Evolution vergessene Orchideengattung? -- Erstnachweis der Gattung Cypholoron aus der Kulture. Die Orchidee 45:146-154.
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