Zygopetalum

Zygopetalum (abbreviated Z.[2]) is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Cymbidieae, subtribe Zygopetalinae), consisting of fourteen currently recognized species.[1][3]

Zygopetalum
Zygopetalum maculatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Cymbidieae
Subtribe: Zygopetalinae
Genus: Zygopetalum
Hook., 1833
Type species
Zygopetalum mackayi (syn of Z. maculatum)
Hook., 1833
Synonyms[1]

Zygopetalon Rchb., spelling variation

Name

This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zugón, means "yoke". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip.

The genus name has Z. as a unique abbreviation among orchid genera.[2]

Distribution

They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.[1]

Description

Most species are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.

They produce an erect, 60-centimeter-long, few-flowered to several-flowered, racemose inflorescence that grows laterally and is longer than the leaves. Their prominent bracts equal the length of the ovary. They are known for their fragrant, waxy, and long-lived flowers with multiple blooms in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.

Cultivation

They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers.

Zygopetalum crinitum

Species

Species accepted as of June 2014:[1]

  1. Zygopetalum brachypetalum Lindl. - Brazil
  2. Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd. - Brazil
  3. Zygopetalum ghillanyi Pabst - São Paulo
  4. Zygopetalum graminifolium Rolfe - São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro
  5. Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay - spotted zygopetalum - Peru, Bolivia, Brazil
  6. Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd. - Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
  7. Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr. - Minas Gerais, São Paulo
  8. Zygopetalum pabstii Toscano - Espírito Santo
  9. Zygopetalum pedicellatum (Sw.) Garay - southeastern Brazil
  10. Zygopetalum reginae Pabst - São Paulo
  11. Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers - Brazil
  12. Zygopetalum silvanum V.P.Castro & Campacci - Bahia
  13. Zygopetalum sincoranum V.P.Castro & Campacci - Bahia
  14. Zygopetalum triste Barb.Rodr. - Minas Gerais

References
  1. Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. Alphabetical List of Standard Abbreviations for Natural and Hybrid Generic Names, RHS, 2007. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/plant-registration-forms/orchid-name-abbreviations-list.pdf
  3. Pridgeon, A.M., Cribb, P.J., Chase, M.C. & Rasmussen, F.N. (2009). Epidendroideae (Part two). Genera Orchidacearum 5: 1-585. Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford.
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