Isabelia
(pronounced: iz-ah-BELL-ee-ah)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Laeliinae; allied to Reichenbachanthus Barbosa Rodrigues. A natural intergeneric hybrid has been recorded as XIsanitella pabstii Leinig (I. virginalis X Sophronitella violacea).
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Overview
Trailing epiphytes with small, alternate pseudobulbs along a prostrate rhizome closely appressed to the substrate, the pseudobulbs concealed behind an intricate series of fibrous brown bracts appearing as an open woven mesh. Leaves solitary, filiform, flexuous. Inflorescences subsessile solitary flowers from the bases of the pseudobulbs. Flowers cupped. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, spreading. Lip unlobed, subsaccate at base. Column short, straight; pollinia 8.
Distribution
A monotypic genus endemic to Brazil. A second species, I. pulchella (Kraenzlin) Senghas and Teuscher [invalid name], is best maintained in Neolauchea Kraenzlin.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Plants of Isabelia may be grown in shallow pans, but the trailing habit is more easily accomodated by slab culture, and the plants grow well on tree-fern slabs or 1--2 in. (2.6--5.08 cm) diameter pieces of woody branches with fine-grained bark, such as lilac. Healthiest root systems can be maintained on slabs, where excess water is avoided. Once established, the plants are easy to grow in an intermediate to warm greenhouse in bright light. Water daily, provided the plants have good air circulation and a free-draining medium or slab.
Literature
Deane, J. 1998. Isabelia virginalis Barb. Rodrigues. Orchids Austral. 10(3):49. Dunton, B. and M. A. Johnson 1999. Fascinating and unusual orchid species, Isabelia virginalis. Orchid Digest 63(2):96.
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