Thecostele
(pronounced: thee-koh-STEE-lee)
Classification
Cymbidieae subtribe Thecostelinae
Overview
Caespitose epiphytes. Pseudobulbs ellipsoid-cylindric, ribbed. Leaves solitary, lanceolate. Inflorescences basal pendent pedunculate racemes. Flowers secund. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, articulated to the column foot, the callus densely pubescent. Column bent back upon itself at the base (S-shaped in longitudinal section), arching, with a foot, with parallel arm-like apical wings, the base with a funnel-shaped hollow chamber; pollinia 2, on a short common stipe and broad viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek thece, meaning box, and stele, meaning column, referring to the hollow box-like chamber at the base of the column.
Distribution
A monotypic genus ranging from northeast India to Borneo and the Philippines.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Thecostele in pots or baskets with a medium-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide intermediate temperatures, bright light, and regular watering throughout the year. The plants should be repotted only after the emergence of new growths and young roots.
Literature
Seidenfaden, G. and J. J. Wood 1992. The orchids of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Olsen and Olsen, Fredensborg.
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