Microsaccus

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Microsaccus
Botanical illustration of Microsaccus griffithii as Microsaccus brevifolius
Botanical illustration of floral details of Microsaccus javensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandeae
Subtribe: Aeridinae
Genus: Microsaccus
Blume[1]
Synonyms[1]

This genus has no synonyms

Microsaccus is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia.[1]

Vegetative characteristics

These miniature epiphytes produce laterally flattened, distichously arranged leaves on thin stems.[2][3]

Generative characteristics

The usually two-flowered inflorescences are short.[3] The spurred, minuscule flowers have a simple labellum.[2] The flowers have four pollinia.[4] Within the fruits there are pale brown to whitish trichomes with an oblong-elliptic basal zone. They have perforations in the basal region.[5]

Etymology

The generic name Microsaccus is composed of the Greek words μικρός (mikrós) meaning small and saccus meaning sack, which refers to the labellum.[6]

Ecology

Microsaccus truncatus is known to grow epiphytically in montane forest at 1200 m above sea level.[6] Microsaccus griffithii occurs in forests at elevations of 500–2770 m above sea level.[7]

Physiology

Microsaccus uses CAM photosynthesis.[7]

Taxonomy

Species

The genus contains 13 accepted species:[1]

Phylogeny

It is closely related to the genus Jejewoodia .[8] One species, namely Jejewoodia longicalcarata (Ames & C.Schweinf.) J.J.Wood used to be Microsaccus longicalcaratus Ames & C.Schweinf.[9] It has been suggested to reunite these two genera, due to their similar appearance. Another closely related genus is Adenocos, which does not have a spur, unlike the former two genera.[8]

Horticulture

Microsaccus can be cultivated under moist conditions with a lot of air movement, and intermediate temperatures. The plants should be placed in a semi-shaded position. It is rarely cultivated.[6]

See also

References

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