Batemannia
(pronounced: bayt-MAN-ee-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Zygopetalinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid, four-angled, glossy. Leaves two, plicate, elliptic-lanceolate, shortly petiolate. Inflorescences basal few-flowered racemes, the floral bracts conspicuous. Flowers waxy, glossy. Sepals and petals free, spreading, the dorsal sepal and petals often forming a tube. Lip three-lobed, articulated to the foot, with a transverse callus ridge. Column hooded, with a foot; pollinia 4, subequal, compressed, sessile on a common viscidium.
Etymology
Honors James Bateman (1811-1897), an ardent collector of and author on orchids.
Distribution
A genus of six or more species widespread in South America from Colombia to Bolivia. The plants are superficially similar to Bifrenaria in having four-angled, glossy pseudobulbs.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Batemannia in pots or baskets of medium-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide intermediate temperatures, medium light levels, and steady watering throughout the year. Repot after the onset of new roots associated with the emergence of new growths.
Literature
Schweinfurth, C. 1943. Nomenclatural note on a South American orchid. Bot. Mus. Leafl. 11(5):171-172. Senghas, K. 1993. Batemania colleyi Lindl. 1835. Die Orchidee 44(6): Orchideenkartei Seite 739-740.
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