Dimorphorchis
(pronounced: dye-morg-OR-kiss)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Aeridinae
Overview
Large monopodial epiphytes. Stems horizontal to laxly pendent, leafy towards the apices. Leaves alternate, distichous, leathery. Inflorescences elongate pendent racemes, the peduncle, rachis and ovaries tomentose. Flowers showy, dimorphic, the basal 2--3 flowers of one type, strongly fragrant, the remaining flowers of a different type, not fragrant. Sepals and petals free, spreading, strongly undulate in the apical flowers. Lip three-lobed, mobile, short-clawed, very fleshy-rigid. Column short, stout, without wings, with a short foot; pollinia 4, in two tightly compressed pairs appearing as two pollinia, with a stipe and viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek di, meaning twice, morphe, meaning shape, and orchis, meaning orchid, referring to the flowers of two distinct forms.
Distribution
A genus of two species endemic to Borneo.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Dimorphorchis in large baskets, with or without coarse potting mixture, allowing the stems to grow horizontal-pendent. Suspend the plants in bright light and provide with warm temperatures and frequent (daily) watering. The plants are assoicated with water in nature and very high humidity should be maintained in cultivation.
Literature
Fowlie, J. A. 1989. A new species of Dimorphorchis from Sabah, North Borneo. Orchid Digest 53:12-14. Soon, S. P. 1980. Notes on Sabah orchids, 1. Dimorphorchis lowii (Lindl.) Rolfe. Orchid Digest 44:193-195. Tan, K. 1975. Taxonomy of Arachnis, Armodorum, Esmeralda and Dimorphorchis (Orchidaceae). Selbyana 1:1-15.
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