Kreodanthus
Kreodanthus elatus, herbarium
Kreodanthus is a genus of the orchid family ( Orchidaceae). It consists of eleven species of herbaceous plants that are native to tropical America.
Description
The species of the genus Kreodanthus form a creeping rhizome, which is rooted at the nodes. At the ascending sprouts the leaves at intervals are distributed, the internodes are not compressed. The leaves are broadly to narrowly oval shaped, sometimes slightly curled at the edges. They are clearly stalked, the blade base includes the shoot.
The terminal, racemose inflorescence is many flowered. The inflorescence axis is hairy and is surrounded by some bracts. The bracts are about as long as ovary and the short pedicel together. The flowers are 'upside, the petals are free. The three sepals are about the same shape and the same size, hairy on the outside. The lateral petals are close to the upper Petal and form a tube or hood. The lip is split, it forms at the base of a long spur. The column is elongated and bent, narrowed at the base. The stamen is small and roundish, it contains two club-shaped pollinia, which are each connected via a short stalks with the little viscid disc ( Viscidium ). The small separation between scar tissue and stamen ( rostellum ) is notched at the tip.
Occurrence
Kreodanthus is widespread in tropical America. From southern Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean, the distribution area stretches along the Andes to Peru and Bolivia. The species grow in the humus layer of moist mountain forests, they come up at altitudes of 3200 meters before.
Systematics and botanical history
Kreodanthus is classified within the tribe Cranichideae in the subtribe Goodyerinae. After Dressler can this be further subdivided into two groups; Kreodanthus stands together with the majority of species which do not have two clearly separate stigmatic surfaces. Related genera are also widespread in South America and Aspidogyne Microchilus.
The genus Kreodanthus was established by Leslie Garay 1977. When he chose the type species hitherto as Erythrodes simplex designated Kreodanthus simplex. The name Kreodanthus consists of the ancient Greek words κρέας Kreas "meat" and ἄνθος anthos for " flower" or " flower" together.
The following species are counted to Kreodanthus:
- Kreodanthus casillasii R.González
- Kreodanthus corniculatus ( Rchb.f. ) Garay
- Kreodanthus crispifolius Garay
- Kreodanthus ecuadorensis Garay
- Kreodanthus elatus ( L.O.Williams ) Garay
- Kreodanthus loxoglottis ( Rchb.f. ) Garay
- Kreodanthus Myrmex Ormerod
- Kreodanthus ovatilabius (Ames & Correll ) Garay
- Kreodanthus rotundifolius Ormerod
- Kreodanthus secundus ( Ames) Garay
- Kreodanthus simplex ( C.Schweinf. ) Garay