Ventricularia

Ceratochilus biglandulosus Blume is a small member of the subtribe Aeridinae found growing on mossy trees at high elevation in Java and Sumatra. Ceratochilus is one of several monotypic genera in the Aeridinae. This means that it currently only contains one species. The succulent leaves are roughly 1.5 – 2 cm in length while the bright white, crystalline flowers, produced one per inflorescence, are about 3.75 cm wide.

Small orchid species with comparatively large showy flowers are popular with connossieur orchid collectors and, as such, C. biglandulosus is not difficult to obtain from US orchid vendors. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to maintain as it does not tolerate long periods of dryness or to be overly wet. Therefore, regular watering and a well draining media are optimal. This species prefers bright shade and intermediate to warm temperatures.

Using both plastid and nuclear sequences, Hidayat and co-workers (2005) suggested that Ceratochilus was a member of the “Trichoglottis alliance” along with the genera Staurochilus, Trichoglottis, Vandopsis, and Ventricularia.

specimen used for DNA extraction

http://galerie.orchideen-forum.de/albums/userpics/10003/ceratochilus_biglandulosus.jpg

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

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

Hidayat, T., T. Yukawa and M. Ito. 2005. Molecular phylogenetics of subtribe Aeridinae (Orchidaceae): insights from plastid matK and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences. Journal of Plant Research 118: 271-284.