Crepidium
Crepidium
Crepidium, also known by its Chinese name 沼兰属 (zhao lan shu) and commonly as spur orchids, is a genus of approximately three hundred species of evergreen orchids. These plants are predominantly terrestrial, characterized by short, ground-hugging stems, large pleated leaves, and small, non-resupinate flowers with spreading sepals and petals. The genus is widely distributed across the tropics, with a significant diversity found in New Guinea.
Key Facts
- ›Crepidium comprises about 300 species of orchids.
- ›They are evergreen, sympodial, and mostly terrestrial plants.
- ›Leaves are typically large, pleated, and can persist for up to three years.
- ›Flowers are small, non-resupinate, and come in various colors including green, yellow, red, brown, and purple.
- ›The genus is widely distributed throughout tropical regions.
- ›New Guinea is a center of diversity, hosting around ninety species.
沼兰属, Spur Orchids
Terrestrial, Epiphytic
About Crepidium
What is Crepidium?
Crepidium, also known by the Chinese name 沼兰属 (zhao lan shu) and commonly as spur orchids, is a genus of orchids within the family Orchidaceae. This genus encompasses approximately three hundred species, widely distributed across tropical regions. Crepidium orchids are predominantly evergreen and sympodial, with a growth habit that is mostly terrestrial, meaning they typically grow on the ground. A notable characteristic is their short, fleshy stems that lie along the surface of the soil.
Description and Habitat
Plants within the Crepidium genus are characterized by having two or more relatively large, pleated leaves. These leaves can persist for up to three years and their petioles wrap around the stem. The genus produces small, non-resupinate flowers borne on the end of a flowering stem. These flowers typically feature spreading sepals and petals and can be found in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, red, brown, and purple. The dorsal sepal is usually longer than the lateral sepals, and the petals are generally shorter and narrower. A distinctive feature of the flower is the labellum, which is erect, flat, and usually undivided, possessing two ear-like lobes near its base. The column is short and equipped with two relatively large wings. No nectar is produced by these flowers. While many Crepidium species grow on the forest floor within rainforests, some have adapted to an epiphytic lifestyle, growing on mossy tree trunks.
Distribution and Taxonomy
Species of Crepidium are found in numerous tropical countries, including China, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, northern Australia, New Guinea, and various islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. New Guinea stands out as a region of significant diversity, where approximately ninety species occur. In China, seventeen species have been recorded, with five of these being endemic to the country. Australia also hosts endemic species, with five found in tropical Queensland and the Northern Territory. The genus Crepidium was first formally described by Carl Ludwig Blume in 1825. The name "Crepidium" is derived from the Latin word "crepida," meaning "boot," "sandal," "shoe," or "base," a name possibly inspired by the shape of the labellum. Previously, some species now classified under Crepidium were included in the genus Malaxis, but distinctions such as stems lying above ground, broad leaves, and an undivided labellum with ear-like lobes help differentiate Crepidium.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the defining characteristics of Crepidium orchids?
Crepidium orchids are evergreen and mostly terrestrial plants with fleshy stems that lie on the ground. They are recognized by their two to many large, pleated leaves and small, non-resupinate flowers featuring spreading sepals and petals.
Where are Crepidium orchids found geographically?
This genus is widely distributed in tropical countries, including China, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, northern Australia, New Guinea, and various islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
What is the habitat of Crepidium orchids?
Many species of Crepidium grow on the floor of rainforests. However, some species have adapted to an epiphytic lifestyle, growing on mossy tree trunks.
What is the origin of the name Crepidium?
The name Crepidium is derived from the Latin word 'crepida,' which means 'boot,' 'sandal,' 'shoe,' or 'base.' This name likely refers to the distinctive shape of the orchid's labellum.
What colors can Crepidium flowers be?
The flowers of Crepidium orchids can display a range of colors, including green, yellow, red, brown, or purple. The sepals and petals are typically spreading.
Related Orchid species
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.
Lecanorchis
Lecanorchis is a genus of leafless, terrestrial orchids belonging to the subfamily Vanilloideae. These myco-heterotrophic plants are found in the mountain forests of various Asian regions and New Guinea, distinguished by their dull-colored flowers with a distinctive hairy lip. They are characterized by a cup-like calyculus and an elongated gynostemium.
Calanthe
Calanthe, commonly known as Christmas orchids, is a genus of approximately 220 terrestrial orchid species found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with a notable concentration in Southeast Asia. These orchids are distinguished by their thick roots, small oval pseudobulbs, large corrugated leaves, and delicate yet showy flowers that typically feature narrow sepals and petals and a lobed labellum.