Cynorkis epiphytica (Schltr.) Hermans & P.J.Cribb, Kew Bull. 72(3)-38: 29 (2017).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Physoceras epiphyticum Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 80 (1924).
Description:
Plants epiphytic, 25-30 cm tall, tubers 2 oblong; stem thin, sheathed basally by 2-3 blackish. elongated and apiculate sheaths. Leaf lanceolate or oval-lanceolate (10-13 x 2.7-3.5 cm), slightly basally and acuminate. Inflorescence loosely 2-5 flowered, slightly longer than the leaf; bracts oval-lanceolate, half as long or less than the pedicel: flowers lilac very large (13 mm without the pedicel). Sepals widely oblong, 3 veined, 1 cm, long, the laterals curved-sickle shaped and sub apiculate. Petals oblong, obtuse, sickle shaped, 1 veined, with their external margins obviously dilate and slightly undulate. Labellum compressed and narrowed basally, deeply trilobed, 1.3 cm long and 2.5 cm wide between the lateral lobes, lateral lobes divaricated and truncate; median lobe square, compressed basally and shortly bilobulate apically with a median apicule, spur 8 mm, long, recurved in a crosier, with its oriface wide and compressed, very attenuate toward the apex or abruptly swollen in a canaliculate vesicule above. Anther channel very long, staminodes rounded and verrucose. Pedicel 2.5 cm long.
Habitat:
Epiphytes in mossy forests, from 1700 m. alt.
Phenology:
Flowering in October.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus.
Distribution:
N. 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
