Chamelophyton
(pronounced: kam-ee-low-FYE-ton)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Pleurothallidinae
Award Photo Gallery
This gallery contains examples of AOS award photos within this alliance.
(click an image above to view the close-up gallery with name and award granted for each orchid pictured)
If you are an AOS Member, access OrchidPro online to browse and search over 100,000 photos of award-winning orchids and more.
If you are not an AOS member, discover the benefits of joining today
Overview
Miniature trailing epiphytes rooting along the stem. Secondary stems (ramicauls) minute. Leaves one per secondary stem, sessile, elliptic-suborbicular. Inflorescences subsessile, one per leaf. Flowers barely opening. Dorsal sepal and petals free, the lateral sepals fused into a synsepal. Lip three-lobed, the callus of two low keels. Column club-shaped, without wings, with a short foot; pollinia 6, naked.
Etymology
From the Greek chamai, meaning lowly or prostrate, and phyton, meaning plant, referring to the miniature trailing habit.
Distribution
A monotypic genus endemic to Venezuela and the Guianas. This species had been included in a broadly defined Pleurothallis but differs by its pollinia number.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Chamelophyton on slabs without any moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide intermediate to warm temperatures, medium light levels, and regular watering throughout the year.
Literature
Garay, L. A. 1974. Acostaea Schltr. y los géneros del complejo Pleurothallis. Orquideología 9:103-124.
FREE ACCESS: Orchid DealWire
Get notified when orchid vendors have special promotions and exclusive savings.
