Cirrhaea
(pronounced: seer-AY-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Stanhopeinae
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Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ovoid, ridged, subtended by papery bracts. Leaves one, plicate, petiolate. Inflorescences pendent pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers cupped, often facing upwards. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, long-clawed, with a small callus at the junction of the lobes. Column arching at the base, without wings or foot, the rostellum elongate; pollinia 2, oblong, on a common linear stipe and minute viscidium.
Etymology
From the Latin cirrus, meaning tendril, referring to the elongate rostellum.
Distribution
A genus of six species endemic to Brazil.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cirrhaea in baskets of medium-grade epiphyte mixture or on slabs with a large pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide intermediate to warm temperatures, intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. Repot plants of Cirrhaea only when needed to avoid excessive root disturbance. Divisions of the plants should comprise at least five pseudobulbs or they may be difficult to reestablish.
Literature
Teuscher, H. 1976. Collector’s Item: Cirrhaea nasuta. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 45(1):23-25.
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