Odontoglossum, Orchid
Odontoglossum is a genus of sympodial epiphytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae, comprising about 100 species. Odontoglossum is native to central and west South America, with most species distributed around north Andes. The genus thrives in open spots in the humid forest as sympodial epiphyte, growing at higher elevations in weather where the temperature is cool to cold. The genus name is derived from Greek words odon (meaning tooth) and glossa (meaning tongue), in referring to the two tooth-like structure at the base of the lip. Odontoglossum is abbreviated as Odm in horticultural trade. The pseudobulbs are compact and produce one to three apical leaves. An erect or arching inflorescence is grown from the base. High altitude species have long inflorescences with up to 150 flowers, while lower altitude species have shorter inflorescences with 20 flowers. The spreading flowers have ruffled sepals and tepals and come in white, yellow, red, brown and purple color. Some species have flowers that are blotched with striking colors. The lip of the flower is complex, entire or with three lobes. It is erect or parallel with the column.  Odontoglossum cruentum Author: Orchi (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0-unported) | ||
|
