Arthrochilus
(pronounced: ar-throh-KYE-luss)
Classification
Diurideae subtribe Drakaeinae
Overview
Terrestrials arising from a tuber. Leaves rosulate, usually absent at flowering. Inflorescences erect pedunculate spicate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers not resupinate. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, the lateral sepals and petals reflexed. Lip complexly ornate, hinged, mobile. Column arching, club-shaped, with apical stelidia and large central wings; pollinia 4, in two pairs each partially fused at the base, naked.
Etymology
From the Greek arthron, a joint, and cheilos, lip, alluding to the articulated, mobile lip.
Distribution
A genus of at least ten species native to Australia with one species extending to New Guinea.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Arthrochilus is pots of sandy terrestrial mixture. Provide full light and intermediate temperatures. Water regularly during active growth. After flowering reduce watering until the leaves wither and keep completely dry until the onset of new growth.
Literature
Blaxell, D. F. 1972. Arthrochilus F. Muell. and related genera (Orchidaceae) in Australasia. Contr. New S. Wales Nat. Herb. 4(5):275-283. Lavarack, P. 1975. Arthrochilus dockrillii: a new species of orchid from North Queensland. Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensland 86:155-156.
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