Schunkea
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae
Overview
Caespitose miniature epiphytes with small subcylindric pseudobulbs, each pseudobulb with a single, conduplicate leaf. Inflorescences few-flowered, laxly pendent racemes, much shorter than the leaves, produced from the base of the pseudobulb. Flowers resupinate, spreading. Sepals and petals free, subsimilar. Lip unlobed, sessile, ovate to subcordate, acute, with a small central keel. Column stout, straight; pollinia two on an elongate, dilated stipe.
Etymology
Named for the collector of the genus, Vital Schunke.
Distribution
A monotypic from southeast Brazil, the type specimen mistakenly reported from Peru.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Although they may be grown in small pots, Schunkea will do best mounted on a slab with a small pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide plants of Schunkea with intermediate to warm temperatures, bright but not direct light, and regular watering throughout the year. When grown in pots, watering should be withheld somewhat when the plants are not in active growth.
Literature
Christenson, E. A. 1995. The genus Schunkea. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 64(9):998-999. Senghas, K. 1994. Schunkea, eine neu entdeckte Orchideengattung aus Brasilien. Der Palmengarten 58(2):126-128.
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