Zygopetalum
(pronounced: zye-goh-PET-ah-lum)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Zygopetalinae. The genus is divided into two sections. Zygopetalum section Ebulbosae Barbosa Rodrigues comprises just one species, Z. pedicellatum, having indeterminate vine-like growth without the production of pseudobulbs similar t
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Overview
Caespitose or rarely climbing terrestrials and lithophytes. Roots fleshy, white. Pseudobulbs rarely absent, usually prominent, ovoid-globose. Leaves 2--3, lanceolate, acuminate. Inflorescences erect scapose racemes, usually basal and produced with the new growth, rarely axillary from an indeterminate shoot, the floral bracts prominent, subinflated, fleshy. Flowers showy, very fragrant. Sepals and petals subsimilar, subequal, free, spreading. Lip unlobed or three-lobed with the lateral lobes minute, articulated to the column foot, often velvety-pubescent, with a large fleshy transverse callus. Column fleshy, with a short foot and small wings; pollinia 4, in two unequal pairs, on a large common viscidium.
Distribution
"A genus of about 15 species recorded from Brazil, Peru to Bolivia. Zygopetalum has been a ""catch-all"" genus for species now relegated to a large number of genera including Bollea, Cochleanthes, Galeottia, Huntleya, Kefersteinia, and Pescatorea. As a resu"
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Zygopetalum in large pots with a medium to coarse grade epiphyte mixture rich in organic, moisture-retaining components. Provide bright, diffuse light, cool-intermediate to cool temperatures, and steady watering throughout the year. Zygopetalums are ideal subjects for outdoor growing in mild climates such as southern California provided that they do not experience hot summers or freezing temperatures. Zygopetalums are heavy feeders when in active growth and supplemental applications of fertilizer are recommended.
Literature
Afzelius, K. 1959. Apomixis and polyembryony in Zygopetalum mackayi Hook. Acta Hort. Berg. 19(2):7-13.
Brito, A. L. V. T. de 1980. Species novae in Brasilia Orchidacearum, I. Zygopetalum pabstii, Octomeria margaretae. Bradea 3:115-118.
Castro N., V. P. and M. A. Campacci 19##. Novo Zygopetalum do Estado da Bahia. Orchidário 14(2):36-37.
Garay, L. A. 1970. La identidad del Dendrobium maculatum HBK. Orquideologia 5:184-189.
Garay, L. A. 1973. El Complejo Zygopetalum. Orquideologia 8:15-34, 51.
Johnson, B. 1993. An introduction to the genus Zygopetalum. Australian Orchid Rev. 58(5):6-11.
Senghas, K. 1994. Zygopetalum crinitum Lodd. 1830. Die Orchidee 45(5): Orchideenkartei Seite 781-782.
Taylor, P. 2000. Zygopetalum maxillare Lodd. Orchids Austral. 12(5):18-19.
Brito, A. L. V. T. de 1980. Species novae in Brasilia Orchidacearum, I. Zygopetalum pabstii, Octomeria margaretae. Bradea 3:115-118.
Castro N., V. P. and M. A. Campacci 19##. Novo Zygopetalum do Estado da Bahia. Orchidário 14(2):36-37.
Garay, L. A. 1970. La identidad del Dendrobium maculatum HBK. Orquideologia 5:184-189.
Garay, L. A. 1973. El Complejo Zygopetalum. Orquideologia 8:15-34, 51.
Johnson, B. 1993. An introduction to the genus Zygopetalum. Australian Orchid Rev. 58(5):6-11.
Senghas, K. 1994. Zygopetalum crinitum Lodd. 1830. Die Orchidee 45(5): Orchideenkartei Seite 781-782.
Taylor, P. 2000. Zygopetalum maxillare Lodd. Orchids Austral. 12(5):18-19.
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