Cryptarrhena
(pronounced: krip-tah-RAIN-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Cryptarrheninae
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Overview
Epiphytes with fan-shaped growths. Pseudobulbs highly reduced or absent. Leaves several to numerous, distichous. Inflorescences lateral racemes, as long or surpassing the leaves, arching to pendent. Flowers numerous, small. Sepals and petals subequal, free, spreading. Lip spreading, three- or four-lobed, clawed with the claw keeled, +/- a terminal apicule. Column short, without wings or foot; pollinia 4, in two pairs on a common linear stipe and minute viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden, and arrhen, meaning stamen, referring to the hooded clinandrium which covers the anther.
Distribution
A genus of four species ranging from Mexico to Bolivia and the Caribbean.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Place Cryptarrhena in small pots or baskets using a fine-grade seedling mixture or mount them on slabs with a small amount of moisture retaining material at the roots. Provide intermediate temperatures, medium bright light levels, and steady watering throughout the growing season.
Literature
Christenson, E. A. 1993. Mesoamerican orchid studies V: A synopsis of Cryptarrhena R. Br. Lindleyana 8(3):163-165.
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