Introduction: A genus of about 35 epiphytic herbs from the mist forests of New Guinea.
Derivation of genus name: Latin medius (middle) and calcar (spur). From the excavate condition of the middle part of the lip.
Type species: Mediocalcar bicolor J.J. Smith
Characteristics of genus: Small plants from the high cloud forests with creeping rhizomes and succulent leaves. The terminal inflorescence carries one to two flowers. The flowers are generally bright scarlet-red on the outside with yellow-green or white tips and less frequently plain golden yellow or orange.
Number of sections and/or subsections in genus: Schlechter separated the species in the genus into three sections on the basis of principal differences in pseudobulbs and rhizomes. Smith disagreed with Schlechter and suggested two sections only.
Species shown here: Mediocalcar arfakense. J.J. Sm.
drawn by Neville H.S. Howcroft
Photos:
Mediocalcar J.J. Smith
