Epidendrum subg. Pleuranthium explained

The subgenus Pleuranthium of the genus Epidendrum of the Orchidaceae is distinguished from the other subgenera by having lateral inflorescences on the reed-like stems of the sympodial plant. With the exception of subgenus Psilanthemum Klotzsch, all of the remaining subgenera produce terminal inflorescences.

H. G. Reichenbach recognized four species in this subgenus.^[1] Kew has concluded that one of these, E. pileatum, is a synonym for E. dendrobii^[2] (page numbers refer to H. G. Reichenbach 1861):

• E. aggregatum Lindl. 1841 (p. 415)
• E. cauliflorum Lindl. 1838 (p. 415)
• E. dendrobii Rchb.f. 1850 (pp. 414, 415)

Notes and References

1. H. G. Reichenbach, "Orchides" in C. Müller, Ed. Walpers. Annales Botanices Systematicae Tomus VI pp. 414-415 Berlin, 1861.
2. Web site: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.