Thelasis
(pronounced: thee-LASS-iss)
Classification
Podochileae subtribe Thelasiinae
Overview
Epiphytes +/- pseudobulbs, the imbricate, distichous leaves and foliaceous bracts forming fan-shaped growths. Leaves usually solitary, indistinguishable from foliaceous bracts. Inflorescences scapose, densely few-flowered racemes. Flowers tubular, inconspicuous. Sepals and petals free or with the sepals slightly fused at the base. Lip three-lobed (sometimes obscurely so), broadest at the base. Column very short, stout, without a foot or mentum; pollinia eight, in two clusters of four each joined to a common caudicle.
Etymology
From the Greek thele, meaning nipple, probably referring to the shape of the rostellum.
Distribution
A genus of about 20 species ranging from India to the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia and some islands of the western Pacific.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Thelasis on plaques and provide with bright diffused light, intermediate to warm temperatures, frequent watering and high humidity.
Literature
Jones, D. L. 1985. Amendments to the description of Thelasis carinata Bl. Orchadian 8(3):58-59. Yoganarasimhan, S. N., V. Chelladurai and V. S. Togunashi 1981. Thelasis pygmaea Lindl., new addition to the orchid flora of Andaman and Nicobars. Curr. Sci. Bangalore 50:284.
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