Draconanthes
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Pleurothallidinae
Overview
Miniature caespitose epiphytes or terrestrials. Ramicauls elongate, enclosed by lepanthiform sheaths. Leaves one per ramicaul, oblong-elliptic. Inflorescences terminal racemes, one to several per leaf, successively flowered, the floral bracts minute, tubular. Flowers minute, intricate. Sepals rigid-fleshy, the dorsal sepal free, ovate, concave, the lateral sepals fused at the base. Petals free, filiform to linear. Lip rigid, transversely two-lobed with the lobes erect and embracing the column, +/- a callus on the lower surface. Column slender, terete, without a foot; pollinia 2, on a common viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek dracos, meaning dragon, and anthos, meaning flower, for the fanciful resemblance of the flowers to dragons.
Distribution
A genus of two species from Venezuela to Bolivia.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Draconanthes in small pots of fine epiphyte seedling mixture or on slabs with a small amount of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide medium light levels, cool temperatures, and steady watering throughout the year.
Literature
Christenson, E. A. 1997. Dragon orchids. Orchids 66(6):610-611. Luer, C. A. 1996. Icones Pleurothallidinarum XIV. Systematics of Draconanthes, Lepanthes subgenus Marsipanthes and subgenus Lepanthes of Ecuador. Monogr. Syst. Bot. 61:1-255.
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