Platystele
(pronounced: plat-ee-STEE-lee)
Classification
Epidendreae subtribe Pleurothallidinae
Overview
Miniature caespitose or trailing epiphytes. Ramicauls erect-ascending, short. Leaves one per ramicaul, oblong-oblanceolate. Inflorescences erect, scapose racemes, the rachis elongate or subcapitate. Flowers minute. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subequal or with much narrower petals. Lip unlobed, acute to long acuminate, without callus. Column short, with a hooded clinandrium; pollinia 2, naked.
Distribution
A genus of 80 species distributed throughout the Neotropics.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Platystele in small pots in a fine seedling grade mixture or on slabs with some moisture retaining material at the roots. Provide medium light levels, intermediate to cool-intermediate temperatures, and steady watering throughout the year.
Literature
Luer, C. A. 1990. Icones Pleurothallidinarum, VII. Monogr. Syst. Bot. 38:1-126. Ortiz V., P. 1977. Nueva especies de Platystele en Colombia. Orquideologia 12:135-148. Ortiz V., P. 1979. Nuevas especies de Platystele en Colombia. Orquideologia 14:18-29. Ortiz V., P. 1981. Nuevas especies de Platystele en Colombia. Orquideologia 14:209-222.
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