Cottonia
(pronounced: kot-TOH-nee-ah)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Aeridinae
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Overview
Monopodial epiphytes. Stems elongate, rooting along the lower half. Leaves alternate, distichous, leathery, strap-shaped, obliquely bilobed at the apex. Inflorescences axillary long-pedunculate few-branched panicles, the peduncles wiry, flexuous, the floral bracts insignificant. Flowers produced 1--2 in succession, resembling an insect. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip lobulate, sessile, convex, pubescent, with a central tooth-like callus. Column short, stout, without wings or foot; pollinia 2, each deeply cleft, on a common linear stipe and minute viscidium.
Etymology
Honoring Major-General Cotton who collected the original plants in Malabar, India.
Distribution
A monotypic genus restricted to southern Indian and Sri Lanka.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Cottonia in baskets of medium-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide warm temperatures, bright light, and copious air movement throughout the year. Water regularly allowing the roots to dry out slightly bertween waterings.
Literature
Christenson, E. A. 1994. Sarcanthine genera 13: Cottonia Wight. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 63(8):888-889. Senghas, K. 1967. Eine epiphytische Ophrys? Cottonia peduncularis (Lindl.) Rchb.f. Die Orchidee 18(1):17-21.
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