Ophidion
(pronounced: oh-FID-ee-on)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Pleurothallidinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Ramicauls concealed by tubular sheaths. Leaves one, oblong-elliptic. Inflorescences few-flowered racemes. Flowers produced in succession, opening only at the sides. Dorsal sepal free, appressed to the lateral sepals at the apex, the lateral sepals fused for their length, the petals free, much smaller than the sepals. Lip three-lobed, the lateral lobes erect. Column arching, club-shaped; pollinia 2, naked.
Etymology
From the Greek ophidion, meaning a little snake, referring to the appearance of the flowers.
Distribution
A genus of four species from Mesoamerica and northern South America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Ophidion in small pots of seedling grade epiphyte mixture or mounted on small slabs with a pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide medium light levels, intermediate temperatures, and steady watering throughout the year.
Literature
Bock, I. 1997. Ophidion pleurothallopsis (Kraenzl.) Luer 1982 [6]. Die Orchidee 48(1): Orchideenkartei Seite 845-846. Luer, C. A. 1982. Ophidion and Zootrophion, two new genera in the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae). Selbyana 7:79-87.
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