Thrixspermum
(pronounced: thriks-SPER-mum)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Aeridinae. The genus is usually divided into two sections. Thrixspermum section Thrixspermum produces an inflorescence with a strongly flattened rachis bearing flowers in two ranks. Thrixspermum section Dendrocolla (Blume) J. J. Smith pro
Overview
Monopodial epiphytes. Stems short or elongate, rooting at the base or along the elongate stems at the nodes. Leaves alternate, distichous, leathery, strap-shaped. Inflorescences axillary pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers usually ephemeral, arranged spirally or in two ranks. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip three-lobed, subsaccate, flexibly hinged to the column foot, the lateral lobes erect, much larger than the midlobe, the midlobe transverse, often notched, the callus variable, often with trichome bosses. Column short, stout, without wings, with an elongate foot; pollinia 4, in two tightly compressed pairs, on a common broad stipe and viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek thrix, meaning hair, and sperma, meaning seed, referring to the hair-like processes associated with the seeds.
Distribution
A genus of about 140 species found throughout tropical Asia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Historically, Thrixspermum has been included in a very broadly defined Sarcochilus.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Thrixspermum with short stems on small slabs with a small pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Vining species should be grown in baskets with a medium-grade epiphyte mixture at the roots. Provide medium light levels, intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. Some of the smaller species from higher elevations should be grown under cool-intermediate temperatures.
Literature
Howcroft, N. H. S. 1970. Thrixspermum amplexicaule (Bl.) Reichb.f., a recording for the territory of Papua and New Guinea. Orchadian 3(10):114-117. Lin, T.-P. and C.-C. Hsu 1977. The genus Thrixspermum Lour. of Taiwan. Taiwania 22:59-72. Mathew, S. P. and S. Abraham 1996. Thrixspermum merguense (Hook.f.) Kze (Orchidaceae), a new record for the Andaman Islands and Indian Flora. Malayan Nat. J. 50:89-91. Schlechter, R. 1911. Die Gattung Thrixspermum Lour. Orchis 5(1):46-58. Williams, L. O. 1938. Review of the genus Thrixspermum in the Philippine Islands. Bot. Mus. Leafl. 6(5):77-95.
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