Constantia
(pronounced: kon-STAN-tee-ah)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae
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Overview
Miniature mat-forming epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ellipsoid to subglobose, compressed. Leaves two, elliptic to transversely elliptic, obtuse or emarginate, often with raised glandulose veins. Inflorescences terminal, sessile or elongate scapes. Flowers solitary, cupped, white to pink. Sepals and petals free, subsimilar. Lip unlobed, free or shortly fused at the subsaccate base, +/- callus. Column short, stout, without wings or foot; pollinia 8, on elongate caudicles twice the length of the pollinia.
Etymology
Named to honor Doña Constança Barbosa Rodrígues, wife of the Brazilian Orchidologist J. Barbosa Rodrígues.
Distribution
A genus of four species endemic to Brazil.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Constantia on slabs without any moisture retaining material at the roots. The plants appear to do best on hardwood slabs with fine-textured bark such as lilac or citrus. Provide high light levels and warm-intermediate temperatures during the growing season. Provide cool temperatures after flowering. Water regularly during active growth and at a maintenance level after flowering.
Literature
Jesup, H. P. 1980. Growing the “minor” Brazilian genera of the Laeliinae. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 49(6):588-593.
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