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Dimorphorchis

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Dimorphorchis
Dimorphorchis rossii
Botanical illustration of Dimorphorchis lowii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandeae
Subtribe: Aeridinae
Genus: Dimorphorchis
Rolfe
Synonyms[1]
  • Arachnopapua R.Rice
  • Lowianthus Becc.

Dimorphorchis is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It contains 9 species, which are native to Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, and Brunei.[1]

Description

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D. rossii distal flower. At Sakuya Konohana Kan.

Species of Dimorphorchis are highly unusual in that the showy inflorescences, which may grow up to 3 metres in length, bear dimorphic (heteranthous) flowers. The 2-3 flowers closest to the base of the inflorescence are strongly fragrant, slightly smaller, and of a different colour compared to the rest of the flowers, which are unscented and have wavy petals. It is unknown how the genus is pollinated.[2]

Unlike Catasetum and species of Oncidium in the section Heterantha, which have sexually dimorphic flowers, the dimorphic flowers of Dimorphorchis are all hermaphoditic, which is also seen to a less striking extent in Grammatophyllum.[2]

Dimorphorchis are large monopodial vandaceous orchids. They may grow up to 2 metres in height, with leaves measuring up to 70 cm. The showy inflorescences may grow up to 3 metres in length.[2]

Taxonomy

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Species

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It has nine species:[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Dimorphorchis Rolfe". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Wood, Jeffrey (2005). "518. DIMORPHORCHIS ROSSII VAR. GRACILISCAPA: Orchidaceae". Curtis's Botanical Magazine. 22 (1): 42–46. ISSN 1355-4905.
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