Cynorkis unguiculata Hermans & P.J.Cribb, Kew Bull. 72(3)-38: 30 (2017).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Physoceras bellum Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 79 (1924).
Description:
Plants terrestrial of lithophytic, thin 25-45 cm tall, with 3-4 elongated tubers; stem sheathed basally with 3-4 black, short sheaths with an acuminate limbus, bearing a singly oval or oval-lanceolate (4.5-10 x 2-4.6 cm) leaf medially, rounded basally, with a small lanceolate-acuminate sheath above. Inflorescence loose, 2-6 flowered. 5-7 cm long, bracts lanceolate-very acuminate, half as long as the pedicel; flowers very large (1.5 cm long without the pedicel). White or lilac, glabrous except for the pedicel. Median sepal cucullate-oval, 7.5 mm long and 5 veined; laterals widely oblong, obtuse 8.5 mm long and 3 veined basally. Petals obovate-oblong, obtuse, 2 veined basally, dilate and obviously undulate-subcrenulate on the front margin. Labellum compressed basally, deeply trilobed, 1.5 cm long and 1.75 cm between the lobes; lateral lobes divaricated, oblong, truncate-sub crenulate apically; median compressed 5 veined bilobulate apically with a small median apicule. 7 mm long and 5 mm, wide below the apex; spur 7 mm long, curved-crosier apically, oriface wide and slightly compressed, very contracted medially, swollen-vesiculate and apiculate apically. Channel of the anther thin. Pedicel sprinkled with sessile glands, 2 cm long generally.
Habitat:
In mossy forests, from I500-2000 m alt.
Phenology:
Flowering in October-January.
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
