Cyrtochiloides
Cyrtochiloides
Cyrtochiloides is a genus of Neotropical epiphytic orchids established in 2001 by Norris H. Williams and Mark W. Chase. It was created to provide a more accurate classification for a small group of species previously grouped under the broad concept of Oncidium, based on DNA evidence. This genus is closely related to Cyrtochilum and forms part of a well-supported clade with other genera like Otoglossum and Miltoniopsis.
Key Facts
- ›Cyrtochiloides was established in 2001 by botanists Norris H. Williams and Mark W. Chase.
- ›It comprises Neotropical epiphytic orchids that were previously misclassified under the genus Oncidium.
- ›The genus's creation was primarily driven by molecular DNA studies.
- ›Cyrtochiloides is closely related to the South American genus Cyrtochilum.
- ›It is recognized by the World Checklist of Monocotyledons but not yet by the International Orchid Register.
- ›Key species include Cyrtochiloides ochmatochila and Cyrtochiloides panduriformis.
Neotropical
Epiphytic
About Cyrtochiloides
The genus Cyrtochiloides represents a distinct group of orchids, formally described in 2001 by botanists Norris H. Williams and Mark W. Chase. This genus was established to provide a more accurate taxonomic identity for a small collection of Neotropical epiphytic orchids that had previously been broadly classified under the genus Oncidium. The scientific impetus for creating Cyrtochiloides stemmed from molecular DNA studies that revealed these species had a less direct relationship with the core group of Oncidium orchids.
Taxonomy and Relationships
Cyrtochiloides is taxonomically positioned as being akin to the genus Cyrtochilum, which is primarily found in South America and was described much earlier, in 1815. Recent botanical acceptance of Cyrtochilum, bolstered by molecular discoveries and morphological analyses, has contributed to the recognition of related genera like Cyrtochiloides. DNA evidence indicates that Cyrtochiloides forms part of a well-supported clade, a group of species that share a common ancestor. This clade includes other genera such as Otoglossum, the Andean group of Caucaea (formerly treated as a section within Oncidium), and Miltoniopsis.
Species and Recognition
Several species have been placed under the Cyrtochiloides genus. These include Cyrtochiloides ochmatochila (originally described as Oncidium ochmatochilum), which also has a synonym Cyrtochiloides cardiochila. Other species assigned to the genus are Cyrtochiloides panduriformis and Cyrtochiloides riopalenqueana. Despite its recognition by key databases such as the World Checklist of Monocotyledons maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the genus Cyrtochiloides has not yet been formally accepted by The International Orchid Register of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyrtochiloides?
Cyrtochiloides is a genus of orchids described in 2001. It was established to provide a more accurate taxonomic identity for a group of Neotropical epiphytic orchids that were previously included in the broad genus Oncidium.
Why was the genus Cyrtochiloides created?
The genus Cyrtochiloides was created based on DNA evidence that indicated certain species previously classified under Oncidium had only a diluted connection to the core Oncidium species. This helped to create a more precise classification for these orchids.
What other orchid genera are related to Cyrtochiloides?
Cyrtochiloides is closely akin to the mainly South American genus Cyrtochilum. It also forms part of a well-supported clade that includes Otoglossum, Caucaea, and Miltoniopsis.
Is Cyrtochiloides universally recognized by orchid registries?
While the genus Cyrtochiloides is accepted by the World Checklist of Monocotyledons of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it has not yet been accepted by The International Orchid Register of the Royal Horticultural Society.
What are some notable species within the Cyrtochiloides genus?
Notable species attributed to Cyrtochiloides include Cyrtochiloides ochmatochila, which has a synonym Cyrtochiloides cardiochila, as well as Cyrtochiloides panduriformis and Cyrtochiloides riopalenqueana.
Related Orchid species
Cottonia
Cottonia peduncularis is a monotypic genus of orchid native to India and Sri Lanka. Its most distinctive feature is its lip, which is shaped like a hairy bee, earning it the common name "bee-orchid," though unlike the Ophrys genus, no specific bee pollinator has been identified.
Bifrenaria
Bifrenaria is a genus of orchids comprising about twenty species native to Panama, Trinidad, and South America, primarily found in the Amazon and Atlantic Forests of Brazil. These orchids are admired by growers for their abundant and striking flowers, which are often strongly scented and possess a distinctive calcar at the base of the sepals.
Huntleya
Huntleya is a small genus of orchids native to South America, Central America, and Trinidad. These plants are characterized by their epiphytic growth habit, pseudobulbless structure, and erect, single-flowered inflorescences. They are typically found growing in wet cloud forests at medium altitudes.