Ancistrochilus

(pronounced: an-ciss-troh-KYE-luss)

Classification

Arethuseae subtribe Bletiinae

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Overview

Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs globose to conic, ridged, somewhat flattened, concealed by papery bracts. Leaves 1--2 per pseudobulb, plicate, lanceolate, thin-textured. Inflorescences basal, pedunculate, arching, few-flowered racemes, with the peduncle, rachis, and ovaries pubescent. Flowers large, showy. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, the lateral lobes erect, attached to a short foot. Column elongate, lightly arching; pollinia 8, in two unequal sets of four, without stipes or viscidia.

Etymology

From the Greek ankistron, meaning hook, and cheilos, meaning lip, referring to the recurved midlobe of the lip.

Distribution

A genus of one or two species native to tropical Africa.

Care and Culture Card

See basic growing conditions and care information below.


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