Scaphyglottis
(pronounced: skaf-ee-GLOT-tiss)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs cylindric to club-shaped with a stipitate base, unbranched or forming superposed chains of pseudobulbs by branching from the apex of the previous pseudobulb, +/- producing adventitious roots and independently viable plantlets. Leaves 1--3, linear to elliptic. Inflorescences terminal subsessile racemes or rarely panicles, one to several, the floral bracts usually inconspicuous. Flowers cupped, mostly in shades of white, green, and brown. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip unlobed to three-lobed, sessile or short-clawed, often strongly recurved near the middle, +/- callus. Column straight, +/- wings, with short foot; pollinia 4 or 6, in two groups, each group sessile on one of two viscidia.
Etymology
From the Greek skaphe, meaning bowl or tub, and glotta, meaning tongue, referring to the concave lip.
Distribution
A genus of 85 species ranging from Mexico to Bolivia and the West Indies. Some authors consider Scaphyglottis to be one genus with Hexisea.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Scaphyglottis in very small pots of medium to fine-grade epiphyte mixture or mounted on slabs without any moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide bright light levels, intermediate to cool-intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. If growing in pots, the roots should dry out slightly between waterings.
Literature
Adams, B. R. 1988. New species and combinations in the genus Scaphyglottis (Orchidaceae). Phytologia 64(4):249-258. Bock, I. 1984. Neue Scaphyglottis-Arten aus Kolumbien: S. chocoana, lueckelii, und signata. Die Orchidee 35:176-182. Dressler, R. L.and D. E. Mora-Retana 1993. Scaphyglottis geminata, an attractive new species from Costa Rica. Orquidea (Mex.) 13(1-2):191-194.
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