Aspasia
(pronounced: ass-PAY-zee-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae
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Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs lightly to strongly compressed, subtended by foliaceous bracts. Leaves 1--2 per pseudobulb, thin-textured, subsimilar and subequal to the uppermost foliaceous bracts. Inflorescences axillary, short, few-flowered racemes, shorter than the leaves. Flowers fragrant. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, fused to the base of the column and then sharply diverging. Column straight, terete; pollinia 2, deeply grooved, on a common stipe and viscidium.
Etymology
From Greek mythology after Aspasia, beloved wife of Pericles.
Distribution
A genus of six species ranging from Guatemala to Bolivia.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Aspasia in pots or baskets with medium-grade potting mixture. Provide medium light levels and intermediate to warm temperatures. Water steadily throughout the year, increasing watering when the plants are in active growth. Aspasias do not have a strong rest period. Low humidity may result in new growths that form accordion-like pleats in the developing leaves and foliaceous bracts.
Literature
Barros, F. D. 1988. A new Brazilian species of the genus Aspasia Lindl., Orchidaceae: Aspasia silvana, n. sp. Hoehnea 15:94-99. Williams, N. H. 1974. Taxonomy of the genus Aspasia Lindley (Orchidaceae: Oncidieae). Brittonia 26(3):333-346.
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