Calanthe

Calanthe is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It occurs widely in the tropics of Asia, Africa and Central America. Most terrestrial species grow on the forest floor, some are epiphytes. Because of its beautiful flowers, they are cultivated occasionally.

Description

All species of this genus are close together stehendeSprosse, each with limited growth. The stem axis can be long-cylindrical or compressed and thickened to pseudobulbs. These consist of several internodes and are staffed with full-length leaves.

The leaves are oblong-oval, thin and folded along the many prominent leaf veins. The species with pseudobulbs are deciduous, evergreen, are those with no storage organ.

The erect inflorescence appears from the side of the stem axis or from their base. It is grapey and carries many resupinierte flowers. These are usually striking pink, white or colored yellow. Bracts, ovary and the petals can be hairy.

The three sepals and lateral petals are free and not zusammengeneigt to a tube. The lip is two-or four-lobed, labeled on the base with a spur. At the center of the lip is often a warty, or fleshy, consisting of several quills callus. The column is at least at the base, but often fused along their entire length with the lip. The dust sheet sits terminal and contains eight waxy pollinia.

Dissemination

The species of the genus Calanthe have a Pantropical distribution. Diversity Center is Southeast Asia, in Africa and Madagascar are found several species. One way Calanthe calanthoides is widespread in Central America. Many terrestrial species grow in the shade of forests, often at higher altitudes up to 3200 meters.



Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calanthe

See Also: International Flower Delivery, Florist