Zygosepalum
(pronounced: zye-gh-SEE-pah-lum)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Zygopetalinae
Overview
Trailing epiphytes, the rhizome with short to elongate internodes. Pseudobulbs angular, +/- subtending foliaceous bracts. Leaves 1--2, oblong-elliptic, petiolate. Inflorescences erect or arching, few-flowered scapose racemes. Flowers showy. Sepals and petals subsimilar, subequal, free, spreading. Lip unlobed, articulated to the column foot, with a large, fleshy, transverse callus at the base. Column straight to arching, winged, with a short foot, the anther with an elongate beak-like appendage; pollinia 4, in two pairs, sessile on a large viscidium.
Distribution
A genus of seven species from South America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow low elevation species (Z. labiosum, Z. lindeniae) on slabs with a pad of moisture retaining material at the roots and give them medium to low light levels and intermediate to warm temperatures. Grow high elevation species in pots of sphagnum moss and give them bright light levels and cool temperatures. Although growth is cyclic, the plants do not require a sharp resting period and they should be watered regularly throughout the year.
Literature
Diekmann, R. 2000. Zwei prachtvolle Arten der Subtribus Zygopetalinae. J. Orchideenfr. 7(4):317-319. Garay, L. A. 1967. Sinopsis del genero Zygosepalum. Orquideologia 2:5-9. Senghas, K. 1994. Zygosepalum lindeniae (Rolfe) Garay & Dunst. 1965. Die Orchidee 45(4): Orchideenkartei 773-774.
FREE ACCESS: Orchid DealWire
Get notified when orchid vendors have special promotions and exclusive savings.
