Lepanthes (Gr. lepis = scale, anthos = flower) is a large genus of orchids with over 1200 species, distributed in the Antilles and from Mexico to Bolivia (with very few species in Brazil). The official abbreviation is Lths. Almost all species of the genus are small, and the flowers are found on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. The flowers are small, but highly interesting in structure, and very different, In the American the genus is called "baby boat orchid".
The plants grow at altitudes of 300-3000m mostly in moist cloud or rain forest, epi-, rarely lithophytic with the roots in moss. They can dry out completely for short periods, but should never be left dry for long periods. Priority should be given to the use of clean rainwater.
Lepanthes (Gr. lepis = scale, anthos = flower) is a large genus of orchids with over 1200 species, distributed in the Antilles and from Mexico to Bolivia (with very few species in Brazil)....
read more » Close window Lepanthes (Gr. lepis = scale, anthos = flower) is a large genus of orchids with over 1200 species, distributed in the Antilles and from Mexico to Bolivia (with very few species in Brazil). The official abbreviation is Lths. Almost all species of the genus are small, and the flowers are found on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. The flowers are small, but highly interesting in structure, and very different, In the American the genus is called "baby boat orchid".
The plants grow at altitudes of 300-3000m mostly in moist cloud or rain forest, epi-, rarely lithophytic with the roots in moss. They can dry out completely for short periods, but should never be left dry for long periods. Priority should be given to the use of clean rainwater.
