Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis
Spathoglottis plicata (Philippine ground orchid) inflorescence
1888 illustration of Spathoglottis plicata, the type species of Spathoglottis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Collabieae[1]
Alliance: Calanthe
Genus: Spathoglottis
Blume
Species

Spathoglottis is a genus of orchids (family Orchidaceae). This genus is allied to genera Acanthephippium, Bletia, Calanthe, and Phaius. This genus is abbreviated Spa in trade journals. The genus Paxtonia Lindl. is generally included here.

The common name ground orchid may refer to this genus.[2]

There are about 45 species of Spathoglottis in diverse habitats in India, Philippines, SE Asia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Borneo, and Cape York Peninsula in Australia.[3]

Description

There are both insect-pollinated and self-pollinating species in the genus. They are evergreen plants with crowded pseudobulbs just below the surface of the ground. The 3-lobed labellum projects forward with an extended midlobe which allows insects to land. Both sepals and petals are broad and the sepals are hairy on the outside. The inflorescence arises among sheaths from a recently matured pseudobulb.

Cultivation

They are easy to cultivate and sought after for their large colourful flowers, and are common in tropical gardens. They need sun for part of the day, well-drained loamy soil and regular water.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Pridgeon, Cribb, Chase & Rasmussen, eds. (2005). Genera Orchidacearum Volume 4. Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press. p. 156.
  2. ↑ "Spathoglottis". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 David L. Jones (2006). A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia Including the Island Territories. Sydney: Reed New Holland. p. 363. ISBN 1-877069-12-4.
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