Cryptochilus
(pronounced: krip-toh-KYE-luss)
Classification
Podochileae subtribe Eriinae
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Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid-cylindric, subtended by clasping papery bracts. Leaves two, elliptic-lanceolate, petiolate, acute. Inflorescences terminal pedunculate racemes produced from maturing new growths, the floral bracts linear, two-ranked. Flowers tubular, secund. Sepals fused forming a barrel-shaped tube, the petals free, concealed by the sepaline tube. Lip unlobed, clawed, concealed by the sepaline tube. Column stout, without wings, with a short foot; pollinia 8, sessilbe on a common broad viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden, and cheilos, meaning lip, referring to the lip which is obscured by the barrel-shaped sepaline tube.
Distribution
A genus of two species from Nepal and southern China to Vietnam.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cryptochilus in small pots of medium to fine-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide medium-bright light levels, cool-intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. The plants are seasonal in gorwth but do not require a sharp rest period in cultivation.
Literature
Seidenfaden, G. 1992. The Orchids of Indochina. Opera Bot. 114:1-502.
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