Cheirostylis
Cheirostylis
Cheirostylis is a genus of about sixty species of terrestrial orchids known for their distinctive caterpillar-like rhizomes and loose rosettes of leaves. These orchids are found across tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, producing small, white, hairy flowers as their leaves typically wither. They are often referred to as fleshy jewel orchids or velvet orchids.
Key Facts
- ›Belongs to the Orchidaceae family, commonly known as the orchid family.
- ›Characterized by a terrestrial growth habit with a creeping, caterpillar-like rhizome.
- ›Features a loose rosette of leaves that usually wither by the time flowers appear.
- ›Flowers are typically small, white, and hairy, with fused sepals.
- ›Native to tropical Africa, southern Asia, Southeast Asia, Malesia, New Guinea, and Australia.
- ›Includes approximately sixty recognized species, with some being endemic to specific regions like China and Australia.
Fleshy Jewel Orchids, Velvet Orchids
Terrestrial, Herbs, Creeping Rhizome
About Cheirostylis
Cheirostylis is a genus of orchids belonging to the Orchidaceae family, commonly referred to as fleshy jewel orchids or velvet orchids. This genus encompasses approximately sixty species, all characterized by their terrestrial growth habit and distinctive morphology.
Description and Growth
Plants within the Cheirostylis genus are terrestrial, perennial, and deciduous herbs. A defining feature is their creeping, above-ground rhizome, which is often described as caterpillar-like and is anchored by fine white root hairs. The leaves are thinly textured and form a loose rosette, though they typically wither by the time the plant flowers. The flowers themselves are usually small, white, and hairy. Structurally, they are resupinate, with the dorsal sepal and lateral sepals fused for approximately half their length. The petals are free from each other and are narrower than the sepals. The labellum, or lip, is distinctive with two lobes at its tip and a narrow base that forms a shallow depression containing two calli.
Distribution and Taxonomy
The genus Cheirostylis was formally described by Carl Ludwig Blume in 1825. Its distribution is extensive, spanning tropical Africa and tropical Asia, extending from Japan through Southeast Asia to New Guinea and parts of Australia, as well as some Pacific Islands. Within this broad range, certain species exhibit endemic populations, with seventeen species, eight of which are endemic, found in China, and two species endemic to Australia. As of November 2023, numerous species are recognized within the genus.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Cheirostylis orchids?
Cheirostylis orchids are commonly known as fleshy jewel orchids or velvet orchids. These names reflect their appearance and texture.
Where are Cheirostylis orchids found naturally?
These orchids have a wide natural distribution, occurring in tropical Africa, tropical Asia (from Japan to Southeast Asia), Malesia, New Guinea, and Australia. Some species are endemic to areas like China and Australia.
What is distinctive about the growth habit of Cheirostylis orchids?
Cheirostylis orchids are terrestrial herbs that grow with a unique, creeping, caterpillar-like rhizome. They typically form a loose rosette of leaves which often wither before the flowering period.
What do the flowers of Cheirostylis orchids look like?
The flowers of Cheirostylis are generally small, white, and hairy. The dorsal sepal and lateral sepals are fused for about half their length, and the petals are narrower than the sepals.
How many species are in the Cheirostylis genus?
The genus Cheirostylis comprises around sixty species. Many of these are found in Asia, with some species being endemic to regions such as China and Australia.
Related Orchid species
Bulbophyllum
Bulbophyllum is a large genus of orchids primarily found in warmer regions of the world, known for their diverse habitats and unique floral mechanisms. Characterized by creeping rhizomes and pseudobulbs, these orchids exhibit a wide range of flower forms and often emit strong odors to attract pollinators.
Disperis
Disperis is a genus of approximately 78 plant species belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Primarily found in tropical and southern Africa, with extensions to Indian Ocean islands and parts of Asia and Malesia, these orchids are distinguished by the unique pouches formed by their lateral sepals. They are notable for their pollination by oil-collecting bees of the genus Rediviva, which are attracted to oils produced on the lip appendage.
Dienia
Dienia, commonly known as snout orchids, is a genus of six species of evergreen orchids found across Southeast Asia, Australia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. These plants are characterized by their fleshy, above-ground stems, large pleated leaves, and small, non-resupinate flowers with a distinctive short, tongue-like labellum. While primarily terrestrial, some species can grow as epiphytes.