Ancistrochilus
(pronounced: an-ciss-troh-KYE-luss)
Classification
Arethuseae subtribe Bletiinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs globose to conic, ridged, somewhat flattened, concealed by papery bracts. Leaves 1--2 per pseudobulb, plicate, lanceolate, thin-textured. Inflorescences basal, pedunculate, arching, few-flowered racemes, with the peduncle, rachis, and ovaries pubescent. Flowers large, showy. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, the lateral lobes erect, attached to a short foot. Column elongate, lightly arching; pollinia 8, in two unequal sets of four, without stipes or viscidia.
Etymology
From the Greek ankistron, meaning hook, and cheilos, meaning lip, referring to the recurved midlobe of the lip.
Distribution
A genus of one or two species native to tropical Africa.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Ancistrochilus in fine-grade seedling mixture in small pots. Provide intermediate temperatures and medium light levels. Water heavily while in active growth and reduce watering to maintenance level following maturation of the pseudobulbs as the plants enter a strong rest period. The plants should be repotted yearly.
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