Apostasia
(pronounced: ap-oh-STAY-zee-ah)
Classification
Apostasioideae
Overview
Terrestrials with nodular storage roots. Stems erect, branching, leafy throughout. Leaves grass-like. Inflorescences terminal racemes or panicles, the flowers often secund. Flowers actinomorphic. Sepals and petals free. Lip not morphologically distinct. Column with two fertile anthers, the anthers free, on distinct filaments; pollen in loose grains.
Etymology
From the Greek apostasia, meaning separation or divorce, alluding to the placement of this genus away from other orchids in a classification.
Distribution
A genus of eight species found from India to Australia. This genus, together with Neuwiedia Blume, is sometimes placed in the separate family Apostasiaceae on the basis of having free fertile stamens and granular pollen.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Apostasia in a terrestrial mixture in pots. Give them medium to low light levels, constant moisture, and intermediate to warm temperatures.
Literature
Howcroft, N. H. S. 1980. Contributions to the orchid flora of the Araucaria forests in New Guinea, Neuwiedia veratrifolia Bl. and Apostasia wallichii R. Br. ex All. Orchadian 6(10):234-237. Kumar, M. and K. S. Manilal 1988. Floral anatomy of Apostasia odorata and the taxonomic status of Apostasioides (Orchidaceae). Phytomorph. 38:159-162. Masamune, G. 1935. On the occurrence of Apostasia in Japan. Journ. Jap. Bot. 11:46. Rao, V. S. 1969. The floral anatomy and the relationship of the rare Apostasias. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 68:374-385. Rao, V. S. 1974. The relationships of Apostasiaceae on the basis of floral anatomy. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 68:319-327. Schill, R. 1978. Palynologische Untersuchungen zue systematischen Stellung der Apostasiaceae. Bot. Jahrb. 99(2-3):353-362. de Vogel, E. F. 1969. Monograph of the tribe Apostasieae (Orchidaceae). Blumea 17:313-350.
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