Zygopetalum (abbreviated Z.[2]) is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Cymbidieae, subtribe Zygopetalinae), consisting of fourteen currently recognized species.[1][3]
| Zygopetalum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Zygopetalum maculatum | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Tribe: | Cymbidieae |
| Subtribe: | Zygopetalinae |
| Genus: | Zygopetalum Hook., 1833 |
| Type species | |
| Zygopetalum mackayi (syn of Z. maculatum) Hook., 1833 | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Zygopetalon Rchb., spelling variation | |
This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zugón, means "yoke". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip.
The genus name has Z. as a unique abbreviation among orchid genera.[2]
They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.[1]
Most species are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.
They produce an erect, 60-centimeter-long, few-flowered to several-flowered, racemose inflorescence that grows laterally and is longer than the leaves. Their prominent bracts equal the length of the ovary. They are known for their fragrant, waxy, and long-lived flowers with multiple blooms in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.
They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers.[citation needed]
Species accepted as of June 2014:[1]
| Image | Name | Distribution | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zygopetalum brachypetalum Lindl. | Brazil | 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) | |
 |
Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd. | Brazil (from Santa Catarina to Espirito Santo) | 600–1,200 metres (2,000–3,900 ft) |
| Zygopetalum ghillanyi Pabst | Brazil (São Paulo) | ||
| Zygopetalum graminifolium Rolfe | Brazil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) | ||
 |
Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay | Peru, Bolivia, Brazil | 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) |
 |
Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd. | Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina | 600–1,000 metres (2,000–3,300 ft) |
 |
Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr. | Brazil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) | |
| Zygopetalum pabstii Toscano | Brazil (Espírito Santo) | 300–400 metres (980–1,310 ft) | |
 |
Zygopetalum pedicellatum (Sw.) Garay | southeastern Brazil | 600–1,200 metres (2,000–3,900 ft) |
| Zygopetalum reginae Pabst | Brazil (São Paulo) | ||
| Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers | Brazil | ||
| Zygopetalum silvanum V.P.Castro & Campacci | Brazil (Bahia) | 600–700 metres (2,000–2,300 ft) | |
 |
Zygopetalum sincoranum V.P.Castro & Campacci | Brazil (Bahia) | 600–1,600 metres (2,000–5,200 ft) |
 |
Zygopetalum triste Barb.Rodr. | Brazil (Minas Gerais) | 950–1,800 metres (3,120–5,910 ft) |
Media related to Zygopetalum at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Zygopetalum at Wikispecies