Dendrophylax
(pronounced: den-droh-FYE-laks)
Classification
Vandeae subtribe Angraecinae
Overview
Leafless monopodial epiphytes with terete or flattened roots. Stems very short. Leaves absent at all times. Inflorescences axillary peduncilate few-flowered racemes. Flowers white or green. Sepals and petals subsimilar, subequal, free, spreading. Lip three-lobed, sessile, the midlobe entire or bilobulate, long-spurred. Column short, stout, without wings or foot; pollinia 2, on a common stipe and viscidium.
Etymology
From the Greek dendron, meaning tree, and phylax, meaning guard, referring to the strongly appressed roots.
Distribution
A genus of six species in the West Indies. Closely related to Polyradicion Garay.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Mount plants of Dendrophylax on slabs or hardwood branches without any moisture-retaining material at the roots. Provide bright light levels, intermediate temperatures, and regular watering throughout the year. The roots should dry out slightly between waterings. Provide high humidity with sufficient air movement to prevent the build up of algae on the roots.
SpeciesKey
1 Lip acuminate; dorsal sepal to 0.2 in. (0.6 cm) long. D. barrettiae 1' Lip deeply notched at the apex (bilobulate); dorsal sepal to 0.8 in. (2 cm) long. D. funalis
Literature
Dod, D. D. 1977. Otra Dendrophylax encontrada en la Republica Dominicana. Bol. Jardin Bot. Nac. 4(2):8-9.
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