Ophioglossella Explained

Ophioglossella is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae endemic to New Guinea.[1] [2] [3] The sole species is Ophioglossella chrysostoma.

Description

This species has been previously misidentified as member of the genera Sarcochilus, Pteroceras, Dryadorchis, and Grosourdya.Ophioglossella chrysostoma Schuit. & Ormerod is a small, short-stemmed, monopodial epiphyte with nearly sickle-shaped, twisted leaves, and sparsely to many-flowered racemes. The flowers are white with additional pink colouration. The labellum is mobile and does not possess a spur. The androecium consists of four pollinia.

Ecology

It occurs at elevations of above sea level in montane forests.

Etymology

The specific epithet of the type species chrysostoma consists of chryso-, meaning golden,[4] and -stoma meaning mouth.[5] It refers to the golden inner side of the labellum.

Conservation

This species appears to be widespread, but rare and appears to have a low numbers of individuals.[6]

Notes and References

  1. 1004241-1 . Ophioglossella Schuit. & Ormerod . 11 October 2022.
  2. 1004242-1 . Ophioglossella chrysostoma Schuit. & Ormerod . 11 October 2022.
  3. Schuiteman, A. (1999). "Biogeography of Malesian Orchidaceae." Flora Malesiana Bulletin, 12(6), 273-287.
  4. chryso-. (n.d.). In The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chryso-
  5. stoma. (n.d.). In The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoma
  6. Schuiteman, A., & Ormerod, P. (1998). "Ophioglossella (Orchidaceae-Aeridinae), a new genus from Papua New Guinea." Kew Bulletin, 741-745.