Liparis platyglossa Schltr., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 38: 152 (1906).
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Liparis winkleri Schltr., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 38: 153 (1906).
Liparis hallei Szlach., Orchidee (Hamburg), Suppl. 3: 43 (1996).
Description:
An epiphyte. Pseudobulbs 2 x 1.5 mm, ovoid, forming clumps. Leaves two to four, 6-8 x 2-3 cm, elliptic or ovate, with a short, sheathing petiole. Inflorescences to 10 cm long, fairly densely 10-flowered. Flowers Jeep purple, or greenish-white, the lip with purple veins. Dorsal sepal 15 x 4 mm, erect; lateral sepals projecting forwards under the lip, joined for half to three-quarters of their length, 12-14 x 5-10 mm, obliquely ovate. Petals 13-15 mm long, narrowly linear. Lip 8-12 x 11-15 mm, transversely bilobed with an apicule between the lobes and a bifid callus at the base. Column arched, 5 mm long.
Habitat:
Epiphytic in rainforest, 600-1300 m.
Cultivation:
Potted in a standard bark mix at intermediate to warm temperatures, moderate shade, high humidity while in growth, but much drier while resting. This species not seem to like being divided.
Distribution:
W. Trop. Africa to Uganda
References:
Flora of West Tropical Africa, Vol 3, Part 1; African Orchids: XXIX V. S. Summerhayes, Kew Bulletin, Vol. 17, No. 3 (1964), pp. 511-561; Botanisches Zentralblatt; [jahrg. 28, bd. 104 (1907)]: Page 534
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