Fernandezia
(pronounced: fer-nan-DEEZ-ee-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Oncidiinae. The genus is split into two subgenera on the basis of the pollinaria: subgenus Fernandezia has a deeply divided, “Y” shaped stipe and subgenus Nasonia (Lindley) Garay and Dunsterville has an undivided stipe.
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Overview
Epiphytes with simple or few-branched stems rooting at the base. Leaves rigid, conduplicate, numerous along the stems, the leaf bases persistent and sheathing. Inflorescences subsessile, of single flowers from upper leaf axils, rarely more than one per node, ovaries more or less equalling the leaves. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, the lateral sepals sometimes fused. Lip unlobed, with a basal longitudinal callus or a central two-lobed callus. Column with a prominently hooded clinandrium, with or without a short foot; pollinia two on an elongate stipe, the stipe entire or deeply divided.
Distribution
A genus of nine species restricted to cloud forests of South America from Colombia and Venezuela to Peru.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Fernandezia are all high elevation, cloud forest epiphytes known for their difficult cultivation. Grow Fernandezia on small slabs or hardwood branches with a moisture-retaining medium such as sphagnum moss or osmunda at their roots. Give them high light, constant moisture, and cool to cold temperatures.
Literature
Hawkes, A. D. 1960. Contributions to an orchid flora of Colombia. Caldasia 8(89):425-430. Schlechter, R. 1919. Die Gattung Fernandezia Ruiz et Pav. Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 16:345-349.
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