Polycycnis
(pronounced: pol-ee-SIK-niss)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Stanhopeinae
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Overview
Caespitose epiphytes or terrestrials. Pseudobulbs ovoid. Leaves 1, erect, lanceolate-elliptic, acute, long petiolate. Inflorescences erect to arching scapose racemes. Flowers numerous, flimsy, resupinate. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip complex, divided into a hypochile and epichile. Column very slender-elongate, curved, dilated at the apex, nearly as long as the lip, the rostellum an acute tooth; pollinia 2, on a common stipe and viscidium.
Distribution
A genus of 16 species throughout Mesoamerica and South America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Polycycnis in pots with a medium grade epiphyte mixture that includes moisture-retaining components. Provide medium light levels, warm to intermediate temperatures, and steady watering throughout the year.
Literature
Barros, F. de 1983. Uma nova expécie de Polycycnis (Orchidaceae) do Brasil. Rev. Brasil. Bot. 6:15-18. Bergold, G. 2000. Polycycnis surinamensis C. Schweinf. Die Orchidee 51(1):[080]-[081]. Dressler, R. L. 1977. Dos Polycycnis nuevas de Sur America. Orquideologia 12:3-13. Dressler, R L. 1977. El genero Polycycnis en Panama y Costa Rica. Orquideologia 12:117-133. Menezes, L. C. 1992. Polycycnis breviloba Summerhayes. Schlechteriana 4/92:135-137. Senghas, K. 1994. Polycycnis aurita Dressler 1977. Die Orchidee 45(5): Orchideenkartei Seite 775-776. Senghas, K. 1999. Polycycnis pfisteri, eine neue Orchidee aus Kolumbien. J. Orchideenfr. 7(1):18-21.
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