Cynorkis mesophylla Schltr., Beih. Bot. Centralbl. 34(2): 308 (1916).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Physoceras mesophyllum (Schltr.) Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 82 (1924).
Description:
Plants terrestrial, 12-16 cm tall, tubers rounded and villous; stem with lanceolate-acuminate leaves 4.5-6 x 1-1.7 cm). Inflorescence 3-6 flowered, unilateral; bracts half as long as the pedicel, flowers small 9-10 mm without the pedicel), mauve. Sepals oval-obtuse, the median cucullate and 6 mm long, the laterals slightly longer. Petals oblong-falciform and obtuse. Labellum nearly unguiculate basally, 9 mm long, lobed; the laterals oblong squared, truncate or very obtuse; front lobes narrowly oblong, larger than the laterals spur obovate-apiculate, 3 mm long. Pedicel cylindrical 12-13 mm long.
Habitat:
In mossy forests, from 2000 m alt.
Phenology:
Flowering in December.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus, cold growing terrestrial.
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; Field Guide to the Orchids of Madagascar Cribb & Hermans 2009
