Prescottia

(pronounced: press-KOT-ee-ah)

Classification

Cranichideae subtribe Prescottiinae. Some confusion has arisen over whether to spell this genus Prescotia or Prescottia. Long established usage is followed here.

Overview

Acaulous terrestrials arising from fasciculate, fleshy, often tuberous roots. Leaves rosulate, rarely cauline, sessile or long-petiolate. Inflorescences stiffly erect, scapose, densely many-flowered spicate racemes. Flowers minute, not resupinate, usually greenish. Sepals fused at the base to form a small cup, the free portions of the sepals and petals strongly coiled-recurved. Lip unlobed, saccate. Column very short, winged, with a short foot; pollinia 4, granular.

Distribution

A genus of 21 species found throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to Bolivia and the West Indies.

Care and Culture Card

See basic growing conditions and care information below.


Literature

Ackerman, J. D. 1989. Prescotia and Cranichis of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Lindleyana 4:42-47.
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