Epiphytic or lithophytic herbs with sympodial
growth. Pseudobulbs with 1 node, borne on a creeping
rhizome with 1-2(-3) leaves at the apex. Leaves usually thick and
fleshy. Inflorescence a raceme or umbel (longiflorum),
arising from base of pseudobulb. Rhachis sometimes
thickened or flattened. Sepals usually free and subequal, the lateral fused to form an obscure mentum. Lip often much
smaller than the sepals, hinged to end of column-foot, usually
motile, often fleshy and tongue-like. Pollinia 2 or 4 in two
pairs. Worldwide: 1000 species in the tropics (many in Asia) Malawi: 19 taxa. |
|