Dimorphorchis Explained

Dimorphorchis is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It contains 9 species, which are native to Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, and Brunei.^[1] It is remarkable for its two flower morphs present on the same plant.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Its species are epiphytic, monopodial herbs with large, pendulous stems.^[2]

Generative characteristics

The inflorescences, which may grow up to 3 metres in length, bear dimorphic (heteranthous) flowers. The 2-3 flowers closest to the base of the inflorescence are strongly fragrant, slightly smaller, and of a different colour compared to the rest of the flowers, which are unscented and have wavy petals. It is unknown how the genus is pollinated.^[3]

Taxonomy

It was published by Robert Allen Rolfe in 1919^{[4] [5]} with Dimorphorchis lowii (Benth. & Hook. f.) Rolfe as the type species.^[6]

Species

It has nine species:

• Dimorphorchis beccarii (Rchb.f.) Kocyan & Schuit.
• Dimorphorchis breviscapa (J.J.Sm.) Kocyan & Schuit.
• Dimorphorchis celebica (Schltr.) Ormerod
• Dimorphorchis graciliscapa (A.Lamb & Shim) P.J.Cribb
• Dimorphorchis lowii (Lindl.) Rolfe
• Dimorphorchis lyonii (Ames) Ormerod
• Dimorphorchis rohaniana (Rchb.f.) P.J.Cribb
• Dimorphorchis rossii Fowlie
• Dimorphorchis tenomensis (A.Lamb) P.J.Cribb

Etymology

The generic name Dimorphorchis references the characteristic two flower morphs preset within the same plant.

Notes and References

1. 29278-1 . Dimorphorchis Rolfe . 8 February 2023.
2. Teoh, E. S., & Teoh, E. S. (2021). Dimorphorchis Rolfe. Orchid Species from Himalaya and Southeast Asia Vol. 1 (A-E), 465-470.
3. Wood . Jeffrey . 2005 . 518. DIMORPHORCHIS ROSSII VAR. GRACILISCAPA: Orchidaceae . Curtis's Botanical Magazine . 22 . 1 . 42–46 . 1355-4905.
4. The Orchid review (Vol. 27, Issues 321–322, p. 149). (1893). Orchid Review ltd.
5. Dimorphorchis Rolfe. (n.d.). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.ipni.org/n/29278-1
6. Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.-d). Dimorphorchis Rolfe. Tropicos. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from http://legacy.tropicos.org/Name/40031513