Crucifix Orchid

Description:

E. radicans, like other members of subgenus Amphiglottium, is a sympodial orchid which grows stems which do not swell into pseudobulbs and are covered with imbricating sheaths, produces a terminal inflorescence covered at its base by close imbricating sheaths, and produces a lip adnate to the column to its apex. The lip of E. radicans is trilobate, as with the other members of section Schistochila, with the lacerate lobes which are typical of the subsections Carinata and Tuberculata. E. radicans differs from the other lacerate Schistochila by producing roots from most of the stem.

Habitat:

Our garden, Los Palos Grandes, Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela. Near the Cerro del Avila mountain range and at 1000m above sea level.

Notes:

I bought this one form a market in Pallos Grandes, Caracas, Venezula. After 4 months I noticed this small bulb growing and realised it was a seedpod. As a novice orchid lover I had never seen an orchid with a seed pod before. I thought they reproduced mostly by sprouting new roots and new small plants on top of old plants.