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Cynorkis ridleyi T.Durand & Schinz, Consp. Fl. Afric. 5: 92 (1894).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Amphorkis lilacina Ridl., J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 21: 518 (1885).
Bicornella ridleyi (T.Durand & Schinz) Szlach. & Kras, Richardiana 6: 142 (2006).
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Cynorkis heterochroma Schltr., Beih. Bot. Centralbl. 34(2): 307 (1916).
Cynorkis moramangana Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 18: 321 (1922).
Description:
Plants with a single radical leaf, rarely 2, obovate-elliptical, oblanceolate or lanceolate, generally very longly attenuate basally, Scape 20-40 cm long. Inflorescence generally very short, bracts equaling half the pedicel; flowers small (12-17 mm with the pedicel), purplish or rose, inverted. Median sepal widely oval-obtuse, 3-4 mm long, laterals semi-oval, slightly longer. Petals oblong, of the same length as the median sepal. Labellum very variable in form; spur equal to slightly more than half the length of the pedicel, very thin, slightly curved in front and swollen apically. Anther and rostellum of equal length (more than l mm). Rostellum with 3 equal and similar teeth. Stigmas shorter than the rostellum. Pedicel more or less bristly-glandular.
Habitat
Forests in the mountains front 800-2000m. alt.
Phenology:
Flowering in November-April.
Notes:
This species is very variable as to the form of the median lobe of the labellum, which is slightly orbicular, widely flabelliform, obreniform, widely oval or narrowly oblong, and dentate crenate or notched-apiculate in front; the density of the pedicellate glands that have been observed to near the apex of the scape, the ovary and sometimes the external parts of the flower. This species is collective, having been divided into a large number of sub-species.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus.
Distribution:
Comoros, Madagascar
References:
Flora of Madagascar: vascular plants: 49th family, Orchids / by H. Perrier de La Bathie; published under the auspices of the government of Madagascar and under the direction of H. Humbert; English revision and translation by Steven D. Beckman
Images:
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Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.