Schlechter 1981

Pronunciation:

mi-kro-FI-tan-thee
Tribe: Epidendreae
Subtribe: Dendrobiinae

The Section Microphytanthe is in Subgenus Athecebium, which is described as plants without distinct sheaths at the the base. This is a small section occuring in moderate to high altitudes. They grow in montane rainforests on trunks or major branched of trees. Plants are small with creeping rhizomes, which are similar to bulbophyllums. Like bulbophyllums, they have single-node, well-spaced pseudobulbs and a single terminal leaf. As the name implies, although the flowers are small, they are quite large for the plant size and a mature, well-grown plant may have numerous flowers. The singular flowers form on the apex of the pseudobulbs and may be yellow, orange, or maroon. Flowers may last one to three weeks. Plants of this section are related to Section Lichenastrum.

Derived from mikros meaning tiny, phyton meaning plant and anthosmeaning flower. Refers to relatively large flowers on small plants.

Culture: The culture in the data below are averages. For growing data for specific species, literature, such as Reference 1 & 2, are recommended.

Number of species:

The Section has three species: Den. bulbophylloides, Den. margaretae and *Den. nummularia which is uncommon; plants are found at lower altitudes (below 1000 meters) than others of this section.

Distribution:

New Guinea

Den. bulbophylloides 'Fox Den' CBR/AOS - ©2009 AOS archives

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