Vandopsis
(pronounced: van-DOP-siss)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Aeridinae
Overview
Large, often massive, monopodial epiphytes and terrestrials. Stems erect to subpendent, thick, leafy. Leaves alternate, distichous, strap-shaped, obliquely bilobed at the apex, leathery. Inflorescences axillary, pendent to erect, racemes or panicles, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Flowers rigid-fleshy or membranous. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, fleshy, sessile, rigidly fused to the column base, subsaccate at the base, bent upwards at the middle. Column very short, fleshy, without a foot; pollinia 4, in two unequal pairs, on a common stipe and conspicuous, transverse viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek opsis, meaning resemblance, referring to the similarity of the plants to Vanda.
Distribution
A genus of five species distributed from Nepal and southern China to New Guinea. Five Australasian species previously placed in Vandopsis were separated as the segregate genus Sarcanthopsis. Vandopsis parishii has been separated as the monotypic Hygroch
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Vandopsis in large pots with medium to coarse-grade epiphyte mixture. Provide very bright to full light levels and steady watering throughout the year. Himalayan species such as V. undulata require intermediate temperatures and will tolerate periods of quite cold temperature. Vandopsis gigantea and V. lissochiloides require continuously warm temperatures and are notoriously intolerant of any cold temperatures, a facet carried through in hybrids such as ? Opsistylis (Rhynchostylis ? Vandopsis).
Literature
Hajra, P. K. and M. J. Kothari 1983. On the occurrence of Acampe rigida (Buch.-Ham. ex J. E. Smith) P. F. Hunt and Vandopsis undulata (Lindl.) Smith (Orchidaceae) in Pilhoragarh District, Uttar Pradesh. Indian J. For. 6(2):160-161.
FREE ACCESS: Orchid DealWire
Get notified when orchid vendors have special promotions and exclusive savings.
