Zygopetalum

Zygopetalum
Zygopetalum maculatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Maxillarieae
Subtribe: Zygopetilinae
Alliance: Zygopetalum
Genus: Zygopetalum
Hook.
Type species
Zygopetalum mackayi (syn of Z. maculatum)
Hook.
Synonyms[1]

Zygopetalon Rchb., spelling variation

Zygopetalum (Hook. 1833) is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Maxillarieae, subtribe Zygopetalinae), consisting of fourteen currently recognized species.[1][2]

This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zygon, means "yoked petal". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip caused by the fusion of petals and the sepals.

They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.[1]

Most are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.

They produce an erect, 60-centimeter-long, few-flowered to several-flowered, racemose inflorescence that grows laterally and is longer than the leaves. Their prominent bracts equal the length of the ovary. They are known for their fragrant, waxy, and long-lived flowers with multiple blooms in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.

They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers.

Zygopetalum crinitum

Species

Species accepted as of June 2014:[1]

  1. Zygopetalum brachypetalum Lindl. - Brazil
  2. Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd. - Brazil
  3. Zygopetalum ghillanyi Pabst - São Paulo
  4. Zygopetalum graminifolium Rolfe - São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro
  5. Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay - Spotted Zygopetalum - Peru, Bolivia, Brazil
  6. Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd. - Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
  7. Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr. - Minas Gerais, São Paulo
  8. Zygopetalum pabstii Toscano - Espírito Santo
  9. Zygopetalum pedicellatum (Sw.) Garay - southeastern Brazil
  10. Zygopetalum reginae Pabst - São Paulo
  11. Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers - Brazil
  12. Zygopetalum silvanum V.P.Castro & Campacci - Bahia
  13. Zygopetalum sincoranum V.P.Castro & Campacci - Bahia
  14. Zygopetalum triste Barb.Rodr. - Minas Gerais

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. ↑ Pridgeon, A.M., Cribb, P.J., Chase, M.C. & Rasmussen, F.N. (2009). Epidendroideae (Part two). Genera Orchidacearum 5: 1-585. Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford.
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