Tridactyle
(pronounced: trye-DAK-til-ee)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Aerangidinae. Summerhayes recognized a monotypic section Scandentes Summerhayes for T. wakefieldii (Rolfe) Summerhayes, a species which has been transferred subsequently to the genus Solenangis.
Overview
Monopodial epiphytes. Stems leafy, short to elongate, unbranched or sparsely branched, erect to pendent, concealed by persistent leaf bases. Leaves alternate, distichous, often twisted at the base to lie in one plane. Inflorescences axillary racemes, emerging through the leaf sheaths opposite to a leaf, the peduncle usually short, the rachis often fractiflex (zig-zag). Flowers small, usually fragrant. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, spreading. Lip unlobed to three-lobed, auriculate, with a short to elongate spur. Column short, stout, without a foot; pollinia 2, on a simple or y-shaped stipe, with a single viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek tri, meaning three, and daktylos, meaning finger, referring to the three-lobed lip.
Distribution
A genus of about 42 species in tropical and South Africa.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Species of Tridactyle with short stems should be grown in pots or small baskets with a medium grade potting mixture. Those species with elongate stems are best accomodated in baskets or mounted on slabs without any moisture retaining material at the roots. Provide intermediate to cool-intermediate temperatures, bright diffuse light, and steady watering throughout the year.
Literature
Bellone, R. 1998. Les Diaphananthe et Tridactyle d’Afrique centrale. Orchid. Cult. & Protect. 36(4):13-21. Summerhayes, V. S. 1948. African Orchids XVIII. Kew Bull. 3:277-302. Wright, I. 1985. Tridactyle bicaudata. S. Afr. Orchid J. 16(1):6-7.
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