Triphora
(pronounced: trye-FOR-ah)
Classification
Triphoreae. This genus was historically combined with a broadly defined Pogonia.
Overview
Diminutive terrestrials arising from tuberous roots. Stems erect, watery-succulent. Leaves sessile, scattered along the stems. Inflorescences appearing terminal, often corymbose, the flowers axillary with the floral bracts indistinguishable from the leaves. Flowers cupped, white or pink, ephemeral. Sepals and petals free, spreading, the petals often parallel with and partially concealing the column, usually subsimilar, subequal. Lip three-lobed, clawed, with longitudinal keels. Column arching; pollinia 2, naked, mealy-granular.
Etymology
From the Greek tri, meaning three, and phoros, meaning to bear, referring either to the small number of flowers or the three crests on a three-lobed lip.
Distribution
A genus of 19 species distributed throughout the Neotropics.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Triphora in small pots of humus-rich terrestrial mixture. Provide medium to low light levels, intermediate to warm temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. Plants of Triphora should never be fully dried out for any epriod of time.
Literature
Ames, O. 1922. Notes on Mexican species of Triphora. Orchidaceae 7:39-44. Luer, C. A. 1966. Two new species of Triphora (Orchidaceae) from Florida. Brittonia 18:241-243. Luer, C. A. 1969. A new species of Triphora in Florida. Amer. Orchid Soc. Bull. 38(10):878-880. Williams, S. A. 1994. Observations on reproduction in Triphora trianthophora (Orchidaceae). Rhodora 96:30-43.
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