Liparis tridens Kraenzl., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 28: 162 (1900).
Description:
A dwarf epiphyte. Pseudobulbs to 13 x 7 mm, ovoid, bright green. Leaves about seven, distichous, 6 x 1 cm, occasionally slightly bigger, oblong-lanceolate, roe edges undulate, thin-textured,the midvein prominent on the underside. Inflorescences terminal, 5-10 cm long, densely several-flowered. Flowers greenish-yellow. Dorsal sepal 3 x 1 mm, ovate, acute; laterals slightly longer and wider. Petals 3 x 0.5 mm, linear. Lip trilobed, with a bilobed callus at the base; side lobes triangular; midlobe 5 mm long, linear, acuminate, roe margins curved up, the whole lobe sharply bent up about halfway. Column 1.5 mm long, winged at the base and the apex.
Habitat:
Sunk in moss on branches of trees in submontane forest, usually near a stream, 900-1800 m.
Cultivation:
High humidity appears to be essential, and so plants are likely to do better potted in a rather fine bark mix than mounted. Plants are deciduous in the dry season, so should be kept drier then. Otherwise, intermediate temperatures and heavy shade should be suitable.
Distribution:
Trop. Africa
References:
AFRICAN ORCHIDS. XIII V. S. Summerhayes, Botanical Museum Leaflets, Harvard University, Vol. 11, No. 5 (November 10, 1943), pp. 137-170; Flora of West Tropical Africa, Vol 3, Part 1,
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