Xerorchis

Xerorchis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Monocots
Order:Asparagales
Family:Orchidaceae
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Xerorchideae
Genus:Xerorchis
Schltr.
Species
  • Xerorchis amazonica
  • Xerorchis trichorhiza

Xerorchis (from Greek xeros, dry, and orchis, testicle-shaped) is an orchid genus in the subfamily Epidendroideae, and the sole representative of tribe Xerorchideae. This is a very primitive genus consisting of terrestrial orchids. Xerorchis thrives in South America.

Taxonomy

It is unclear whether this genus should be classified in the lower or higher epidendroids.

Xerorchis has 8 pollinia, hence similar to the more advanced epidendroid genera of Epidendreae and Arethuseae. Yet its morphology, with unthickened stems and persistent leaves, is that of a bambusoid grass and makes it more similar to Tropidieae or Triphoreae.

References

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