Appendicula
Appendicula
Appendicula, commonly known as stream orchids, is a genus of flowering plants in the Orchidaceae family. These orchids are found in tropical and subtropical Asia, extending to the western Pacific. They are distinctive for their many flat, often twisted leaves and small, resupinate white or greenish flowers with fused lateral sepals and labellum at the base of the column.
Key Facts
- ›Appendicula is a genus of orchids in the family Orchidaceae.
- ›They are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and the western Pacific.
- ›Species in this genus typically have flat, often twisted leaves.
- ›Flowers are small, resupinate, and usually white or greenish.
- ›The lateral sepals and labellum are fused to the base of the column.
- ›The genus name 'Appendicula' refers to inward-facing appendages on the labellum.
Stream Orchids
Tropical Asia, Subtropical Asia, Western Pacific
Epiphytic, Lithophytic, Terrestrial
About Appendicula
Appendicula, commonly known as stream orchids, is a genus of flowering plants within the Orchidaceae family. These orchids are found across tropical and subtropical Asia, extending their range to the western Pacific region. The genus was first formally described by Carl Ludwig Blume in 1825.
The name "Appendicula" is derived from the Latin word for "little appendage," a reference to the distinctive inward-facing appendages present on the labellum of its flowers. Orchids in this genus are characterized by their numerous flat leaves, which are often twisted, and their small flowers. The flowers are typically white or greenish and exhibit a resupinate form. A notable morphological feature is the fusion of the lateral sepals and the labellum at the base of the column.
Appendicula species exhibit varied growth habits, commonly growing as epiphytes on trees, as lithophytes on rocks, or less frequently, as terrestrial plants in soil. This adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse microhabitats within their native tropical and subtropical environments.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Appendicula orchids?
Appendicula orchids are a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Orchidaceae family. They are commonly referred to as stream orchids and are characterized by their flat, often twisted leaves and small flowers.
Where are Appendicula orchids found?
This genus of orchids is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, extending eastward to the western Pacific Ocean.
What do Appendicula flowers look like?
The flowers of Appendicula orchids are small and resupinate, meaning they are inverted during development. They are typically white or greenish in color. A notable feature is the fusion of the lateral sepals and labellum to the base of the column.
What does the name Appendicula mean?
The name 'Appendicula' is derived from the Latin word 'appendix,' meaning 'appendage' or 'addition.' It is a diminutive form, signifying 'little appendage,' and refers to the inward-facing appendages found on the labellum of these orchids.
Related Orchid species
Cymbidium
Cymbidium, commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family. Found in tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia, these orchids can grow as epiphytes, lithophytes, or terrestrial herbs, often with distinctive pseudobulbs and unique labellum structures.
Leptotes
Leptotes is a genus of nine small orchid species native to the dry jungles of south and southeast Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. These epiphytic plants are characterized by their thin, terete leaves and delicate, often showy flowers, some of which are used as a vanilla substitute. While some species are widely cultivated, many remain rare and recently described.
Isotria
Isotria, commonly known as the fiveleaf orchid, is a genus of small perennial herbs within the orchid family Orchidaceae. Native to eastern North America, these orchids are characterized by their erect shoots typically bearing five bluish, pointed leaves in a whorl, and usually solitary, resupinate flowers with prominent lips.