Trichosalpinx
(pronounced: trik-oh-SAL-pinks)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Pleurothallidinae
Overview
Caespitose, trailing or pendent epiphytes. Stems (ramicauls) concealed by funnel-shaped sheaths with ciliate margins and ribs (lepanthiform). Leaves one per stem, sessile or petiolate. Inflorescences terminal racemes, rarely one-flowered, sessile or long-pedunculate, the floral bracts minute, often appressed to the lower leaf surface. Flowers highly variable, often translucent. Sepals often fused, petals free, spreading, sepals and petals usually dissimilar. Lip unlobed or three-lobed, minutely auriculate, articulate to the column foot, sometimes highly mobile, variously ornamented. Column arching or straight, with a foot, sometimes with wings, the clinandrium often hooded; pollinia 2, on minute caudicles.
Etymology
From the Greek tricho, meaning hair and salpinx, meaning a trumpet, referring to the ciliated ribs and margins of the stem sheaths.
Distribution
A genus of about 90 species throughout the Neotropics and the West Indies. Trichosalpinx was formerly included in a broadly defined Pleurothallis.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Trichosalpinx in small pots with a seedling-grade epiphyte mixture or on slabs with a small pad of moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide medium light levels, cool-intermediate temperatures, high humidity and regular watering throughout the year.
Literature
Luer, C. A. 1983. Trichosalpinx, a new genus in the Pleurothallidinae. Phytologia 54(5):393-398. Luer, C. A. 1997. Icones Pleurothallidinarum XV: Systematics of Trichosalpinx. Monogr. Syst. Bot. 64:1-136. Soto Arenas, M. 1987. Una revision de las especies mexicanas de Trichosalpinx subgen. Trichosalpinx. Orquidea (Mex.) 10:247-277.
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