Herpysma
(pronounced: her-PIZ-mah)
Classification
Cranichideae subtribe Goodyerinae
Overview
Trailing succulent terrestrials rooting at the nodes. Leaves numerous, petiolate, with inflated sheathing bases. Inflorescences terminal, subsessile, congested racemes. Flowers tubular. Sepals and petals free, the dorsal sepal and petals forming a tubular hood over the column, the lateral sepals spreading. Lip obscurely three-lobed at the apex, with a pair of keels, spurred. Column short, without foot; pollinia 2.
Etymology
From the Greek herpysmos, meaning creeping, referring to the trailing habit with stems rooting at the nodes.
Distribution
A monotypic genus from Nepal and southern China (Yunnan) to Vietnam and Sumatra.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Herpysma in shallow pots or bulb pans in a terrestrial mixture. Provide medium to low light levels, cool-intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year.
Literature
Seidenfaden, G. 1977. Orchid genera in Thailand V, Orchidoideae. Dansk Bot. Arkiv 31(3):6-149.
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