MarilyninOttawa
Tonight, we will discuss those small confusing vandaceous genera.

Within the Aeridinae, there are a number of small-flowered genera that create challenges for both the hobbyist and taxonomic communities. The challenges have arisen in part because many species were initially described as being members of a few genera such as Saccolabium and Sarcanthus. These larger genera have been divided into a number of smaller genera with more distinctive floral characteristics but some plants are still known horticulturally by their initial or a later name which causes confusion through mislabelling. Furthermore, the new specific epithets, especially the name endings, get mispelled when one assumes the scientific name agrees as before. When a generic name that was once Latin is changed to one derived from the Greek or vice versa, different rules of agreement prevail. We will not be dealing with the rules in this discussion but we should be aware of the reasons why agreement in gender or case is not as always straightforward as it seems.

Rather than making an erroneous assumption, why not consult a reference such as the Missouri Botanical Garden nomenclatural database? The International Plant Names Index is another useful resource. Here we can see, for example, Cleisostoma lanatum Lindl. -- in Journ. Hort. Soc. iv. (1849) 164. (IK) We might think that the specific name might end in an 'a' as does the generic name do not in this case.

The genus Sarcanthus was used by Lindley in 1824 to name a large group of orchids with smallish fleshy flowers. The plants are often small to medium-sized but some can be quite large. Some members of Sarcanthus have since been assigned to other genera including Acampe, Cleisostoma, Gastrochilus, Micropera, Robiquetia, and Sarcoglyphis. I find Cleisostoma and Sarcoglyphis particularly challenging.

Cleisostoma (80 species) cleiso (shut or barred) and stoma (mouth) from the Greek
Cleisostoma is a genus of small, multi-flowered epiphytic plants found across the Asian tropics, throughout the Philippines and in the northern part of Australia. The flowers are all about the same size, small, fleshy and somewhat colorful. The name, Cleisostoma, refers to the mouth-like opening of the nectar-producing spur surrounded by fleshy tissue making it almost closed to the entry of a pollinator tongue. Indeed, it is challenging to see the opening even though knowing it must exist. Interestingly, the fleshy blockage is often yellow-colored suggesting that it might absorb UV light and thus function as a visual pollinator target. We can readily see the flower structure including the yellow patches in this picture of Cleisostoma crassifolia.

Flower structure details are what is used to define members of this genus but the plant structure is often also distinctive. Leaves can be short to long, flat to terete, sometimes curved. The plants are best grown mounted or in baskets to provide perfect drainage and to favorably display the arching inflorescences. Provide bright light and a humid, buoyant environment.

Cleisostoma arietinum, Malaysia, was once known as Sarcanthus recurvus because of the characteristic stout and curved terete foliage which we can view on this web page. Looking at the flowers alone, it could easily be confused as being a member of the genus Sarcoglyphis.

Cleisostoma crassifolia is a colorful spring-blooming species from Myanmar.

Cleisostoma lanatum is a curious Myanmar species having densely pubescent inflorescence axes. The wooliness extends to enclose the pedicel, ovary and even the bases of the tepals. This species is also very floriferous although the individual flowers are most beautiful only under close examination. The spur is very much reduced. We see few of these species in commerce but some can make fascinating specimens.

Robiquetia (40 species) named to honor Monsieur Pierre Robiquet, a French scientist. I have included this because of the small flowers as you will see.

Robust Robiquetia species can be found through tropical Asia, from India, the Philippines and from Papua New Guinea. The plants have disproportionately small flowers arrayed along densely packed, pendulous racemes. The flowers seem to open just enough to expose the column and entrance to the nectary. They are mostly low altitude, warm growers suited to mounts or baskets.

Robiquetia cerina has been previously known as Cleisostoma cerinum, Saccolabium cerinum and Sarcanthus cerinus. The specific epithet refers to the waxy nature of the curious flowers that measure a mere 5-7 mm in diameter. This is a plant for those of you with space to do it justice. A blooming plant is showy when it carries multiple pendulous cone-shaped spikes of scarlet blooms. picture The stems are somewhat flattened with wide, strap-like foliage. Grow this New Guinea species under bright filtered light, warm, wet with good air movement. Allow the plant to keep its many offsets which will ultimately produce a handsome specimen. This specimen won a CHM/AOS in 1996 - Jardin botanique de Montreal

Sarcoglyphis (10 species) from sarco-fleshy and glyph referring to a shape or notched arrow head

This small genus presents curious flowers which can resemble birds in flight. Certainly, the anther cap is shaped much like a bird's head. Here we see a flower of Sarcoglyphis pensilis in profile. Here is another view of the same flower from the front.

Sarcoglyphis pensilis When I first acquired this species, it was a small plant growing mounted on a piece of wood. There were several succulent stubby leaves and thick roots meandered over the wood. This is the award photograph taken by David Bennett when the plant received a CCM/AOS in 1996. The plant has not changed much over several years except that there are now three offsets emerging from the thick stem. Blooming is in March/April when several inflorescences appear abruptly from the plant base. The stalks appear somewhat gnarled and withered but don't be mistaken. This is when the plant grows and it needs copious water to keep those inflorescences developing. Do not be surprised if at the same time as blooming, the lower leaves yellow. This seems to be what happens as newer leaves are formed at the growing tip. Grow under bright indirect light in warm to intermediate conditions and provide more water only when the plant signals a growth spurt in spring.

One important point to note with the various genera presented here is that they all have subtle rest periods when they do not grow and could easily rot if treated incorrectly. You must get to know your plant!

The genus Saccolabium (sac-like lip) was first described by Blume in 1825. Some members of Saccolabium have subsequently been transferred to Acampe, Ascocentrum, Cleisostoma. Haraella, Gastrochilus, Plectorrhiza, Rhynchostylis, Robiquetia, Schoenorchis, Smitandia, and Tuberolabium. If you will remember, some of the same genera were once also represented by the genus Sarcanthus.

Schoenorchis (about 20 species) This Asia Pacific genus is made up of mostly small and some very small species. The plants produce densely flowered and sometimes branched inflorescences but the flowers are usually small. The type species, Schoenorchis juncifolia, after which the genus was described, is unusual in that it has long, reed-like leaves hence the derivation from the Greek 'schoinos' meaning rush. Most of the species have short oval leaves quite unlike those of the type. When many of these species are exhibited, a loupe is provided for a close up view. Some flowers have shiny rose-tipped petals while others have discrete rose pink lines. The lip may be elongate or even funnel-like in the case of the type species. Part of the lip is a curved spur partly filled with nectar.

Schoenorchis juncifolia The type species, this plant has long terete leaves and densely packed flower spikes. It is known from Indonesia (Java). The ½ in flowers have curious J-shaped spurs and a flaring white lip. The flowers are a curious lavender - sometimes even termed blue but it depends on the light. This one is lavender pink as you see it. Raise this species mounted for best effect.

John in Arcadia Ca
Is the lip (spur) filled with a liquid?

MarilyninOttawa
Yes John. What you see is nectar and it is in the loop much like you find in a sink trap. The pollinator must have a flexible tongue to get into that!

Schoenorchis manipurensis This species is endemic to Mizoram, India which is near the borders with Burma, Assam and Bangaldesh. This specimen had been labelled 'maiparensis' which does not exist. You can see in hindsight how the label became confused with 'manipurensis'. The plant is miniature with short fleshy leaves and compact inflorescences packed with tiny showy flowers dominated by an elongate pink lip. On close examination, the petals and sepals reveal glossy pink marking toward their tips. I think it reminds me of Aerides coloration. Grow this plant mounted, intermediate and humid with good air movement. We can learn a lot about the region where this species grows at button

N_Calif_Kathy
Any idea on what pollinates any of these flowers? They look so small. Gnats?

MarilyninOttawa
It could be gnats but I think it might also be small sweat bees or even stingless bees. The flowers are fragrant and produce nectar which suggests bees/wasps rather than flies.

Schoenorchis micrantha is white-flowered and can be very showy when well grown. The flowers sometimes have a pink flush.

Another unidentified species shows the exquisite coloration possible in the tiny blooms. I apologize because the focus is slightly off.

Tuberolabium (12 species) Flower lips have a swollen protuberance, hence the generic name.

Tuberolabium kotoense is a small warm-growing and floriferous vandaceous plant considered to be synonymous with Saccolabium quisumbingii. It is found in sub-tropical mountain forests of China and Taiwan as well as from the Philippines. Close examination of two specimens does reveal some distinctive characteristics which could lead to confusion. The lip tip is differently shaped and the spur as well which in the reputed quisumbingii is yellowish. The half-inch wide flowers are otherwise very similar, waxy, yellowish white, with reddish purple markings on the lip. Here we see the two side by side. Given the distance between the populations, speciation could very well be happening. The species grows year round but flowers mostly in late autumn and early winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Provide high humidity, frequent watering and fertilization to plants grown mounted or in small baskets. The plants tolerate quite warm temperatures if provided humidity and good air movement. Somewhat cooler conditions are also tolerated but it is best to keep the night temperature above 15 C (65F).

Tuberolabium odoratissimum is a delightfully scented, small yet floriferous vandaceous species from Java and Sumatra where it may be found flowering year round. Half-inch wide flowers are borne in loose racemes of 10 to 20. The lips are fleshy with a bag-like protuberance. Grow this orchid under intermediate conditions in a basket, shallow pot or on a mount. Provide bright light and good air movement. Water and fertilize year round.

Tuberolabium kotoense has been used to produce the popular miniature Tuberaceum Snow Gem registered by Richella in 1979. Flowers vary in size and coloration, from 1 to almost 2 inches wide and from the purest white to ones with purplish dots and a pink suffusion. The plants are compact yet can be covered with fragrant blooms. Grow this gem as with the species.

Vandae Angracaecinae There a couple of interesting genera more closely related to Angraecum than Aerides. These are Podangis and Tridactyle.

Podangis dactyloceras - Podangis is a monotypic pan-African genus that can be found growing in warm humid montane forests. The plant has curiously flattened leaves which form a fan. Short, multi-flowered inflorescences arise from the squat stem. The long-lasting flowers are an icy translucent white with bright green anther caps providing an interesting contrast. They sport very long nectar-filled spurs which add to the overall display. Keep this rainforest species growing year round in a pot filled with coarse medium. Provide bright filtered light and good air movement. Allow to dry between waterings.

Tridactyle ( about 40 species) three (tri) fingers (dactyl) referring to the three lip projections

Members of this tropical African genus have very distinctive flowers, long nectar-filled spurs but can be challenging to identify to species without experience. The plants can become large with many offsets and, if you grow them well, masses of flowering stems in late autumn in the Northern hemisphere. Provide intermediate to warm temperatures, high humidity, good air movement but attention to watering and fertilization as some species may stop growing for a short period during the year. This picture of Tridactyle gentilii provides us with a good idea of a typical inflorescence. The 'hole' is the opening to the nectary which you can see trailing below the flowers. This is night-fragrant and likely moth-pollinated.

For any but a few very distinctive genera such as Podangis, it is worthwhile to have identities confirmed by reference to either a text or an expert. The use of a magnifying glass can certainly help when viewing tiny Schoenorchis. Use of nomenclatural databases such as that of the Missouri Botanical Garden is encouraged as a basic reference tool.

I now open the discussion to questions.

Gaile
Some of these very mini plants - can they be grown by the average hobbyist, or do they need more specialized conditions?

MarilyninOttawa
When many such plants were being wild-collected, they did not stand much of a chance. They were tiny, bare root, cheap(er) than bigger plants, and they were cute. Now, with artificial propagation, seed-raised stock has been raised on its mount or in a pot and has therefore a better chance of survival.

pecteilis_in_KY
Is there enough of a market for these to make such production profitable?

MarilyninOttawa
You make a good point. It is a specialist market but there are nurseries that cater to the market. Patronizing such nurseries keeps these programs afloat.

Gaile
They certainly are interesting--and small! Which nurseries are involved in production and selling these little ones?

Jade_in_GR
As a general rule of thumb High humidity, good air movement and filtered light with attention to growth pattern should make us all good growers of these gems?

N_Calif_Kathy
Wildcatt has that tuberolabium cross as Amslla philippinense x tuberolabium kotoense.... Isn't that Amsiella? Then how does one get Tuberaceum out of that? Genus change?

MarilyninOttawa
Yes Kathy, I suspect that it hails back to the time when Amesiella was Angraecum. Tbcm. Snow Gem is quite easy to grow and bloom but the parents are also winners. Why not try all three?

MarilyninOttawa
Many of these small types have interesting scents. The Sarcoglyphis has a resinous odor with a sharp note. Others smell of ripe fruit or of jasmine. Nice! Hoosier raises many vandaceous species and has a very active propagation program.

Jade_in_GR
That makes them even more appealing.
Again, as an across the board thing would you say these would prefer mounts or baskets?

MarilyninOttawa
Any of the pendulous species display their blooms better when mounted. The tiny Schoenorchis do not do well in pots. The Tuberolabium seem to well in pots. The larger Robiquetia must be mounted eventually. I look to the roots. Even the small plants have proportionately thick roots. Thick roots generally indicate a need for drying between watering and this is best accomplished on a mount (or in a basket).

Jade_in_GR
Would you say that most could be raise in the upper end of and Intermediate set up?

MarilyninOttawa
It is difficult to say exactly where any one specimen would grow best. For example, my Sarcoglyphis pensilis grows in winter, in a warm day/cool night location and in very bright filtered light. It is loving the change from day to night. The Schoenorchis prefers less of a day/night shift but still needs bright conditions. They cannot grow best in the exactly the same location in my setup.

Since many of you are interested in knowing about sources of seed raised material, I suggest that you contact any vendors offering species such as the ones discussed this session and ask if their plants are seed-raised. I would expect that many of them are. Some of the long-stemmed species might also be propagated by division or the removal of keikis.

I note that Camp Lot O Noise is listing Schoenorchis fragrans v. manipurensis but no picture is available for comparison with what I showed you earlier.

Kathy asked for the Couscous recipe. Here it is.
Curried Couscous Salad
Bring 1.5 cups water to boil.
Add 1 Tbsp butter and 1.5 cups couscous. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous and add the following dressing. Mix well and serve warm or at room temperature. Great with chicken.
Dressing:
1/4 cup plain yoghurt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp medium curry paste (I use Pataks)
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1.5 cups finely diced raw carrot
1.5 cup chopped parsley
1.5 cup dried currants
2 green onions, minced
1/4 cup red onion, minced

Prechat Handout

Some Confusing Vandaceous Genera

Marilyn H. S. Light
Copyright March, 2004

Within the Aeridinae, there are a number of small-flowered genera that create challenges for both the hobbyist and taxonomic communities. The challenges have arisen in part because many species were initially described as being members of a few genera such as Saccolabium and Sarcanthus. These larger genera have been divided into a number of smaller genera with more distinctive floral characteristics but some plants are still known horticulturally by their initial or a later name which causes confusion through mislabelling. Furthermore, the new specific epithets, especially the name endings, get mispelled when one assumes the scientific name agrees as before. When a generic name that was once Latin is changed to one derived from the Greek or vice versa, different rules of agreement prevail. We will not be dealing with name spelling in this discussion but we should be aware of the reasons why agreement in gender or case is not as always straightforward as it seems.

The genus Sarcanthus was used by Lindley in 1824 to name a large group of orchids with smallish fleshy flowers. The plants are often small to medium-sized but some can be quite large. Some members of Sarcanthus have since been assigned to other genera including Acampe, Cleisostoma, Gastrochilus, Micropera, Robiquetia, and Sarcoglyphis.

Cleisostoma (80 species) cleiso (shut or barred) and stoma (mouth) from the Greek

Cleisostoma is a genus of small, multi-flowered epiphytic plants found across the Asian tropics, throughout the Philippines and in the northern part of Australia. The flowers are all about the same size, small, fleshy and somewhat colorful. The name, Cleisostoma, refers to the mouth-like opening of the nectar-producing spur surrounded by fleshy tissue making it almost closed to the entry of a pollinator tongue. Indeed, it is challenging to see the opening even though knowing it must exist. Interestingly, the fleshy blockage is often yellow-colored suggesting that it might absorb UV light and thus function as a visual pollinator target. This should be investigated. Flower structure details are what is used to define members of this genus but the plant structure is often also distinctive. Leaves can be short to long, flat to terete, sometimes curved. The plants are best grown mounted or in baskets to provide perfect drainage and to favorably display the arching inflorescences. Provide bright light and a humid, buoyant environment.

Several species are pictured at http://exoticbulbophyllum.tripod.com/page/cleisostoma.htm

Cleisostoma arietinum, Malaysia, was once known as Sarcanthus recurvus because of the characteristic stout and curved terete foliage which we can view on this web page. http://succulent.cool.ne.jp/orchids/Cleisostoma_arietinum.html

Cleisostoma crassifolia is a colorful spring-blooming species from Myanmar.

Cleisostoma lanatum is a curious Myanmar species having densely pubescent inflorescence axes. The wooliness extends to enclose the pedicel, ovary and even the bases of the tepals. This species is also very floriferous although the individual flowers are most beautiful only under close examination. The spur is very much reduced.

Robiquetia (40 species) named to honor Monsieur Pierre Robiquet, a French scientist.

Robust Robiquetia species can be found through tropical Asia, from India, the Philippines and from Papua New Guinea. The plants have disproportionately small flowers arrayed along densely packed, pendulous racemes. The flowers seem to open just enough to expose the column and entrance to the nectary. They are mostly low altitude, warm growers suited to mounts or baskets.

Robiquetia cerina has been previously known as Cleisostoma cerinum, Saccolabium cerinum and Sarcanthus cerinus. The specific epithet refers to the waxy nature of the curious flowers that measure a mere 5-7 mm in diameter. A blooming plant is showy when it carries multiple pendulous cone-shaped spikes of scarlet blooms. The stems are somewhat flattened with wide, strap-like foliage. Grow this New Guinea species under bright filtered light, warm, wet with good air movement. Allow the plant to keep its many offsets which will ultimately produce a handsome specimen.

Sarcoglyphis (10 species) from sarco-fleshy and glyph referring to a shape or notched arrow head

This small genus presents curious flowers which can resemble birds in flight. Certainly, the anther cap is shaped much like a bird's head.

Sarcoglyphis pensilis
When I first acquired this species, it was a small plant growing mounted on a piece of wood. There were several succulent stubby leaves and thick roots meandered over the wood. The plant has not changed much over several years except that there are now three offsets emerging from the thick stem. Blooming is in March/April when several inflorescences appear abruptly from the plant base. The stalks appear somewhat gnarled and withered but don't be mistaken. This is when the plant grows and it needs copious water to keep those inflorescences developing. Do not be surprised if at the same time as blooming, the lower leaves yellow. This seems to be what happens as newer leaves are formed at the growing tip. Grow under bright indirect light in warm to intermediate conditions and provide more water only when the plant signals a growth spurt in spring.

The genus Saccolabium (sac-like lip) was first described by Blume in 1825. Some members of Saccolabium have subsequently been transferred to Acampe, Ascocentrum, Cleisostoma. Haraella, Gastrochilus, Plectorrhiza, Rhynchostylis, Robiquetia, Schoenorchis, Smitandia, and Tuberolabium.

Schoenorchis (about 20 species)
This Asia Pacific genus is made up of mostly small and some very small species. The plants produce densely flowered and sometimes branched inflorescences. The type species, Schoenorchis juncifolia, after which the genus was described, is unusual in that it has long, reed-like leaves hence the derivation from the Greek 'schoinos' meaning rush. Most of the species have short oval leaves quite unlike those of the type. When many of these species are exhibited, a loupe is provided for a close up view. Some flowers have shiny rose-tipped petals while others have discrete rose pink lines. The lip may be elongate or even funnel-like in the case of the type species. Part of the lip is a curved spur partly filled with nectar.

Schoenorchis juncifolia
The type species, this plant has long terete leaves and densely packed flower spikes. It is known from Indonesia (Java). The « in flowers have curious J-shaped spurs and a flaring white lip.
Raise this species mounted for best effect.

Schoenorchis manipurensis
This species is endemic to Mizoram, India which is near the borders with Burma, Assam and Bangaldesh. The plant is miniature with short fleshy leaves and compact inflorescences packed with tiny showy flowers dominated by an elongate pink lip. On close examination, the petals and sepals reveal glossy pink marking toward their tips. Grow this plant mounted, intermediate and humid with good air movement. We can learn a lot about the region where this species grows at http://www.mssrf.org/fris9809/gender-case-mizoram.html

Tuberolabium (12 species) Flower lips have a swollen protuberance, hence the generic name.

Tuberolabium odoratissimum
Tblm. odoratissimum is a delightfully scented, small yet floriferous vandaceous species from Java and Sumatra where it may be found flowering year round. Half -inch wide flowers are borne in loose racemes of 10 to 20. The lips are fleshy with a bag-like protuberance. Grow this orchid under intermediate conditions in a basket, shallow pot or on a mount. Provide bright light and good air movement. Water and fertilize year round.

Tuberolabium kotoense
Tblm. kotoense is a small warm-growing and floriferous vandaceous plant considered to be synonymous with Saccolabium quisumbingii. It is found in sub-tropical mountain forests of China and Taiwan as well as from the Philippines. Close examination of two specimens does reveal some distinctive characteristics which could lead to confusion. The lip tip is differently shaped and the spur as well which in the reputed quisumbingii is yellowish. The half-inch wide flowers are otherwise very similar, waxy, yellowish white, with reddish purple markings on the lip.

The species grows year round but flowers mostly in late autumn and early winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Provide high humidity, frequent watering and fertilization to plants grown mounted or in small baskets. The plants tolerate quite warm temperatures if provided humidity and good air movement. Somewhat cooler conditions are also tolerated but it is best to keep the night temperature above 15 C (65F).

Tuberolabium kotoense has been used to produce the popular miniature Tuberaceum Snow Gem registered by Richella in 1979. Flowers vary in size and coloration, from 1 to almost 2 inches wide and from the purest white to ones with purplish dots and a pink suffusion. The plants are compact yet can be covered with fragrant blooms. Grow as with the species.

Vandae Angracaecinae
Podangis dactyloceras
Podangis is a monotypic pan-African genus that can be found growing in warm humid montane forests. The plant has curiously flattened leaves which form a fan. Short, multi-flowered inflorescences arise from the squat stem. The long-lasting flowers are an icy translucent white with bright green anther caps providing an interesting contrast. They sport very long nectar-filled spurs which add to the overall display. Keep this rainforest species growing year round in a pot filled with coarse medium. Provide bright filtered light and good air movement. Allow to dry between waterings.