Dresslerella
(pronounced: dress-ler-EL-lah)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Pleurothallidinae. Luer (1976) divided the genus into two subgenera: subgenus Dresslerella comprising six species with shortly pubescent to ciliate leaves and the dorsal sepal fused with the lateral sepals; and subgenus Pilositas Luer
Overview
Miniature caespitose epiphytes with unifoliate ramicauls subequal or somewhat shorter than the thick, elliptic, often convex leaves. Inflorescences sessile at the base of the leaves, producing single flowers sequentially over time. Flowers globose and opening only at the apex of the fused sepals (subgenus Dresslerella) or fully opening with an erect, free dorsal sepal (subgenus Pilositas). Sepals and petals dissimilar, the lateral sepals fused for their length. Lip 3-lobed, simple to complexly ornamented, clawed, attached to a short column foot, with an erect keel at the apex of the claw. Column arcuate, +/- winged above the middle, with a hooded clinandrium; pollinia 4 in 2 unequal pairs.
Etymology
From the diminutive form, honoring Orchidologist Robert L. Dressler.
Distribution
A genus of eight species ranging from Nicaragua to Peru. Dresslerellas are noteworthy for their variously pubescent-hirsute vegetative and floral parts.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Dresslerellas will do best in small pots filled with a fine-textured growing medium similar to that used for other Pleurothallids or seedlings. Grow them under cool to cool-intermediate temperatures and medium light levels. Water them regularly to keep the medium lightly moist. Care should be taken to ensure that they do not dry out for long periods of time. narrow point. ......................... D. hirsutissima
Literature
Luer, C. A. 1976. Icones Pleurothallidinarum (Orchidaceae): Dresslerella, a new genus in the Pleurothallidinae. Selbyana 3(1-2):1-9. Luer, C. A. 1978. Additions to the genus Dresslerella (Orchidaceae). Selbyana 2:185-189. Luer, C. A. 1980. Icones Pleurothallidinarum, V. Systematics of Dresslerella and Scaphosepalum, addenda to Porroglossum. Monogr. Syst. Bot. 26:1-110. Pridgeon, A. M. and N. H. Williams 1979. Anatomical aspects of Dresslerella (Orchidaceae). Selbyana 5(2):120-134.
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