Pholidota Lindley ex Hooker
Exot. Fl. 2, t. 138(1825).

INTRODUCTION:The genus is widespread though South-East Asia, extending to China, New Guinea, Australia and some Pacific Islands. Some fifty five species are known in this genus.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: In 1820 John Lindley coined the generic name from the Greek pholidotos = scaly, in reference to the overlapping bracts subtending the flowers on the inflorescence.

TYPE SPECIES: Pholidota imbricata

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUS: Epiphytic herbs, often forming large clumps with either thick and crowded pseudobulbs or slender, well spaced apart pseudobulbs supporting two large convolute leaves. The roots are remarkably fine for such a large orchid. The terminal, arching inflorescence bears large numbers of dull-coloured flowers in two ranks. The flowers are not wide-opening and are subtended by large, papery bracts.

HABITAT: Species in the genus inhabit the lowland rain forests and in New Guinea one can find Pholidota imbricata often with seed capsules from every flower giving the appearance of a string of pearls. Therefore this orchid is sometimes referred to as the 'necklace orchid'.

CONSERVATION STATUS: not threatened

SPECIES SHOWN HERE: Pholidota imbricata Lindley
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft (click link to view full size drawing)
Key to Illustration: A: plant habit; B: flower, front view, C: flower, side view

PHOTO: Pholidota imbricata © Peter O'Byrne