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ORCHID GENUS DESCRIPTION

NSH039_Pteroceraschrysanthus_thb.jpg - 9523 Bytes Pteroceras Hasselt ex Hasskarl
Flora 25(2): Beibl.6(1842) et Tijdschr. Natuurl. Gesch. Physibl. 9P:142(1842).

INTRODUCTION: A genus of some sixty species distributed from Malaysia and Thailand through Java, Sumatra to New Guinea, closely rel-ated to the genus Sarcochilus Blume.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: Greek pteron (feather; quill), keras (horn). describes the 2 narrow wing-like appendages at the base of the lip.

TYPE SPECIES: Pteroceras radicans Hasskarl.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUS: Epiphytic herbs, some of the species are leafless monopodials. the attractive flowers resemble miniature Phalaenopsis. Their green roots are can be flattened like those in the genus Taeniophyllum Blume.

SPECIES LINE DRAWING: Pteroceras chrysanthus
drawn by Neville H.S. Howcroft

HABITAT: rain forests

CONSERVATION STATUS: not known

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