Leochilus
(pronounced: lee-oh-KYE-luss)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae
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Overview
Caespitose small-statured epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ellipsoid, compressed, subtended by several foliaceous bracts, the uppermost often subequal to the leaves. Leaves 1--2, oblong-elliptic, leathery. Inflorescences arching-pendent scapose racemes or panicles, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Sepals and petals spreading, subsimilar, subequal, usually keeled on the backside, the dorsal sepal and petals free, the lateral sepals free or fused at the base. Lip unlobed, with a transverse ridge near the base forming a subsaccate chamber. Column short, without a foot, with prominent wings near the base; pollinia 2, grooved, on a common elongate-spatulate stipe and a minute viscidium.
Distribution
A genus of 10 species ranging from Mexico to Peru, Trinidad and the West Indies.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Leochilus in small pots with fine-grade epiphyte mixture or on slabs. Provide bright light, intermediate to warm temperatures, and steady watering throughout the season. Adapted to a weedy existence as colonizing species, Leochilus are easy to cultivate.
Literature
Beauduceau, B. 1992. À propos du Leochilus de Guadeloupe. L’Orchidoph. 100:50-54. Chase, M. W. 1986. A monograph of Leochilus (Orchidaceae). Syst. Bot. Monogr. 14:1-97. Chase, M. W. 1986. Two new species in the genus Leochilus (Orchidaceae). Syst. Bot. 11(1):242-246. Chase, M. W. 1986. Pollination ecology of two sympatric synchronously flowering species of Leochilus in Costa Rica. Lindleyana 1(3):141-147. Dietrich, H. 1980. Leochilus labiatus (Sw.) O. Ktze. confirmada nuevamente para Cuba. Rev. Jard. Bot. Nac., Univ. La Habana 1(1):39-42.
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