Chiloschista Lindl.

Abstract

Chiloschista are small, epiphytic or saxicolous, monopodial, leafless orchids with around 20 species distributed from India and Sri Lanka to China, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Stems are extremely short, and leaves are reduced to tiny dry scales giving the plants the appearance of a mass of roots. Roots are green, the source of photosynthesis. Inflorescence is pendulous, up to 30 cm long, sometimes branched and bearing numerous flowers 0.8 to 1 cm across. Sepals and petals are ovate, free, spreading. Lip is three-lobed, lateral lobes large and erect, midlobe small (Fig. 29.1). Flowering season is March to April and flowers last for 2 weeks. The cultivated species are from Thailand. Plants are best grown on a stump of durable wood or on bark or tree fern. Chiloschista grows best in a subtropical climate, and plants like cool nights.