Pyrorchis
(pronounced: PYRE-or-kiss)
Classification
Diurideae subtribe Caladeniinae; previously maintained in a broadly defined Lyperanthus R. Brown.
Overview
Terrestrials flowering after fire-stimulus, arising from solitary ovoid root tubers associated with elongate stoloniferous roots. Leaves few, basal, sessile, +/- prostrate, with incurved to involute margins. Inflorescences erect, few-flowered terminal racemes, the inflated floral bracts prominent. Flowers resupinate, leathery. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, with surface glands. Column winged; pollinia 4, granular-mealy.
Distribution
Two species endemic to southern Australia and Tasmania.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Native to a wide range of habitats, Pyrorchis should be grown in a standard terrestrial mix under intermediate temperatures and bright light levels. Water should be steady during active growth and withheld during the inactive dormant period similar to Pterostylis.
Literature
Christenson, E. A. 1996. Nomenclature notes: Australian fire orchids. Orchids 65(12):1324-1325. Jones, D. L. and M. A. Clements 1994. Pyrorchis, a new genus of Orchidaceae from Australia. Phytologia 77(6):447-451. Jones, D. L. and M. A. Clements 1996. Pyrorchis, a new genus of Orchidaceae from Australia. Orchadian 12(2):64-67.
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