Dinema
Dinema
Dinema is a genus of orchids, currently represented by the single species Dinema polybulbon. This orchid is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it typically grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte in humid mixed forests. It is distinguished by its relatively large, solitary flowers with a simple white to yellowish-white lip and distinctive cornicle-shaped extensions on the column.
Key Facts
- ›Dinema polybulbon is the only accepted species in the genus Dinema.
- ›It is found in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- ›This orchid grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte.
- ›Flowers are typically solitary, about 15 mm in diameter.
- ›The lip is simple, white to yellowish-white, and adnate to the spine base.
- ›It blooms in November and bears fruit in August.
Epiphytic, Lithophytic
November
About Dinema
Dinema is a genus of orchids recognized for its single, currently accepted species, Dinema polybulbon. This orchid species is native to a range that includes Mexico, Central America, and several Caribbean islands, specifically Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Jamaica.
Description and Growth
Dinema polybulbon typically grows as an epiphyte, attaching to trees, or as a lithophyte, growing on rocks. Its natural habitat is humid mixed forests, usually found at elevations between 1000 and 1400 meters. The plant features pseudobulbs that are about 10 mm long and 6 mm wide, spaced along a creeping rhizome. The leaves are small, around 15 mm long and 8 mm wide, and are a shiny green color. The inflorescence is usually uniflora, meaning it bears a single flower, though occasionally two flowers may appear. The fruits develop into ellipsoid capsules.
Floral Characteristics
The flowers of Dinema polybulbon are a notable feature, generally measuring 15 mm in diameter. The sepals and petals are typically yellowish-brown, while the lip is a contrasting white to yellowish-white, often featuring a yellow nail. The column is white and may be adorned with purple spots. A distinctive characteristic of the column is the presence of two conspicuous, cornicle-shaped extensions at its apex. The lip is simple, unguiculate (having a claw-like base), and adnate to the base of the spine, with its disc dilated and undulated edges.
Blooming and Fruiting Cycle
This orchid species is known to bloom in November. Following the flowering period, fruits are observed in August, indicating a distinct annual cycle for the species within its native environment.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dinema polybulbon?
Dinema polybulbon is a species of orchid belonging to the genus Dinema. It is the only currently accepted species within this genus. It is found in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Where does Dinema polybulbon grow naturally?
Dinema polybulbon is native to Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Jamaica. It is typically found in humid mixed forests at elevations between 1000 and 1400 meters.
What are the distinctive features of Dinema polybulbon flowers?
The flowers of Dinema polybulbon are about 15 mm in diameter and are often solitary. They are characterized by yellowish-brown sepals and petals, a simple white to yellowish-white lip with a yellow nail, and a column that has conspicuous cornicle-shaped extensions.
What is the growth habit of Dinema polybulbon?
Dinema polybulbon typically grows as an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants like trees, or as a lithophyte, growing on rocks. Its pseudobulbs are spaced along a creeping rhizome.
When does Dinema polybulbon bloom?
Dinema polybulbon is noted to bloom in November. The species bears fruit in August, indicating a cyclical pattern of flowering and fruiting.
Related Orchid species
Dryadella
Dryadella is a genus of miniature orchids, recognized for their small, often conspicuously spotted flowers borne at the base of the leaves. Originally part of the Masdevallia genus, these orchids are native to a wide range across Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. Many species thrive when mounted on cork or treefern, with some, like Dryadella edwallii, being particularly amenable to cultivation.
Barbosella
Barbosella is a genus of creeping orchids comprising about 20 species, primarily found across the West Indies and Latin America, from Mexico down to Argentina. These orchids are distinguished by their solitary flowers, which feature a unique lip base that functions like a ball and socket joint. The genus was named in honor of João Barbosa Rodrigues, a notable investigator of Brazilian orchids.
Dichromanthus
Dichromanthus is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It currently comprises four species found from the southwestern United States, through Mexico, to Honduras. These orchids are distinctive for their widespread distribution, with one species being a narrow endemic to Oaxaca, Mexico.