Clematepistephium
(pronounced: klem-at-ep-ee-STEF-ee-um)
Classification
Vanilleae subtribe Vanillinae
Overview
Hemiepiphytes forming large lianas with numerous branches. Leaves large, elliptic, short-petiolate, with net-venation. Inflorescences terminal and subterminal racemes. Flowers cupped, ephemeral. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, the midlobe bilobulate, the center densely villose, the center of the lip with a series of retrorse crest-like plates, each plate two-toothed. Column arching, club-shaped, without wings or foot; pollinia granular.
Etymology
From Clematis, a genus of vines (Ranunculaceae), and Epistephium, a genus of orchids, referring to the vining habit of this Epistephium relative.
Distribution
A monotypic genus endemic to New Caledonia.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Clematepistephium in pots of loam. Provide medium to medium-bright light levels, intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year.
Literature
Hallé, N. 1977. Orchidaceae. 8:1-565. Flore de la Nouvelle Caledonie et Dépendances, Paris.
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