Ceratandra
(pronounced: SAYR-ah-TAN-drah)
Classification
Diseae subtribe Coryciinae
Overview
Terrestrials arising from fleshy fasciculate roots. Stems erect, unbranched. Leaves numerous, linear, in a basal rosette and scattered along the stems. Inflorescences terminal, densely-flowered racemes. Flowers numerous. Sepals and petals free, the dorsal sepal and petals appressed, forming a hood. Lip unlobed, clawed, +/- a small appendage. Column short, with elongate rostellum arms; pollinia 2.
Etymology
From the Greek kerat, meaning horn, and aner, meaning stamen, referring to either the horn-like lip appendages or the horn-like rostellum arms.
Distribution
A genus of three species endemic to South Africa. The genus Evota (Lindley) Rolfe is sometimes included in a broadly defined Ceratandra.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Ceratandra in pots with a terrestrial mixture high in organic matter or in living sphagnum moss. Provide full light, warm to intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. All species of Ceratandra are native to marshes or streambanks and the roots should not be dry for significant periods of time.
Literature
Stewart, J., H. P. Linder, E. A. Schelpe and A. V. Hall 1982. Wild orchids of southern Africa. MacMillan South Africa, Johannesburg.
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