Robiquetia Gaudich.

Abstract

Forty species of medium-sized, monopodial, epiphytic orchids distributed from Myanmar and Thailand through Malesia to Australia and the Pacific Islands constitute this genus which is named after pharmacologist Paul Robiquet (1780 - 1840) who discovered the first amino acid and codeine. Stem is stout, edentulous, bearing strap leaves that are broadly oblong, distichous, coriaceous, sheathing at the base. Inflorescence is axillary, pendulous, and it carries numerous, crowded, monochromatic flowers in yellow, orange, brown and crimson. Sepals and petals are free and well-extended, but in some species the flowers are less than half-open at their peak. The genus has not been properly explored for its breeding potential, and only a few species are seen in collections.