Arpophyllum

(pronounced: ar-poh-FILL-um)

Classification

Epidendreae subtribe Arpophyllinae

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Overview

Clump-forming epiphytes with stout, somewhat trailing rhizomes. Pseudobulbs cylindric, strongly compressed. Leaves one, strap-shaped, leathery. Inflorescences terminal, erect, pedunculate, densely-flowered, cylindric racemes subtended by a large spathe-like bract. Flowers not resupinate, purple. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip unlobed, concave, saccate at the base, without callus. Column short; pollinia 8, subsessile on a minute viscidium.

Etymology

From the Greek harpe, meaning sickle or scimitar, and phyllon, meaning leaf, referring to the falcate leaves of the type species.

Distribution

A genus of five species from Mesoamerica, northern South America and the West Indies.

Care and Culture Card

See basic growing conditions and care information below.


Literature

Correll, D. 1947. Revision of the genus Arpophyllum. Lloydia 10:214-217.

Garay, L. A. 1970. Notas sobre el género Arpophyllum y su ocurrencia en Colombia. Orquideología 5:66-73.
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