Aphyllorchis
(pronounced: ay-fill-OR-kiss)
Classification
Neottieae subtribe Limodorinae
Overview
Achlorophyllous saprophytes with thick spreading roots. Stems erect, unbranched. Leaves absent. Inflorescences terminal racemes, the floral bracts conspicuous. Flowers dull-colored. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip three-lobed. Column elongate, arching, without wings or a foot; pollinia 2, naked.
Etymology
From the Greek aphyllos, meaning leafless, and orchis, meaning orchid, referring to the plants’ lack of leaves.
Distribution
A genus of about 15 species ranging from India and Sri Lanka to Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Aphyllorchis are obligate saprophytes and cannot be cultivated.
Literature
Bhattacharyya, U. C. and A. K. Goel 1982. Aphyllorchis parviflora King & Pantl., new distribution record of a rare orchid from Tehri Garwhal Western Himalaya, India. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. Jodphur. 3:588-590. Dockrill, A. W. 1965. The genus Aphyllorchis Blume in Australia. Orchadian 1(10):115-117. Vajravelu, E. and N. C. Rathakrishnan 1969. Aphyllorchis prainii Hook.f. (Orchidaceae), a new record for South India. Bull. Bot. Soc. India 10(1):97-99.
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