inflorescence

Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Asparagales Family: Orchidaceae Subfamily: Epidendroideae Tribe: Vandeae Subtribe: Aeridinae

Holcoglossum wangii Christenson 1998 is an epiphytic plant, one which grows on another plant or object, found in the coniferous forests of southern China and northern Vietnam. These plants are found at elevations around 250 to 1200m. H.wangii grows as an inflorescence, a group of flowers on a stem. The flowers are small, usually 2in or less, and are white with yellow-lobes and pinkish/purple specks. The leaves are fleshy and terete (cylindrical and tapering) and comes in two forms: short-leaf (6in) and long-leaf (12-18in). Mature plants typically reach 10-12in but can flower as small as 4in. Seedlings are 4-6in.

H.wangii is best grown when mounted on a stick or in a basket. They require cool to intermediate temperatures and moderate sunlight. They should be grown in a moist and well drained environment but if hung, the roots should be watered frequently. They bloom in the fall and winter.

Inflorescence of flowers

Flower of H.wangii

Specimen used for DNA extraction

References:

http://orchids.wikia.com/wiki/Holcoglossum_wangii

http://www.orchidspecies.com/holcowangii.htm

http://www.jlorchids.com/catalog/all_others3.html

http://www.ruthsorchids.com/speciespage4a.html

Stereochilus dalatensis (Guillaumin) Garay is one of 7 valid species in genus Stereochilus and belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It’s flowers grow to be about .75cm and bloom in spring. Their flowers are usually fragrant and a pale pink color. The floral arrangement is inflorescence, meaning the flowers grow in clusters on a main branch or an arrangement of branches. (The specific arrangement of the flowers may depend on the species of plant.) These plants are entomophilous, a form of pollination performed by insects. This orchid is an epiphyte and it will grow to approximately 10cm. It is found Vietnam and China in cool to warm climates.