ORCHID GENUS DESCRIPTION

Sarcanthopsis Garay
in Bot. Mus. Leafl. 23:4(1972) 198.

INTRODUCTION: A genus of around seven species found throughout New Guinea and the Pacific islands to Fiji.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: The genus was established by Dr. L. Garay in 1972 for some five species distributed from the Moluccas to New Guinea and some of the Pacific Islands. The generic name was derived from the Greek sarcos (fleshy), anthos (flower) and opsis (like), resemblance in reference to the fleshy flowers.

TYPE SPECIES: Sarcanthus nagarensis Reichb. f.

DESCRIPTION OF GENUS: Medium sized to very large epiphytic of lithophytic plants with elongate, stout, leafy stems. The lateral inflorescence may be few to many flowered. Flowers are small to medium sized and fleshy. Well known from the PNG lowlands is Sarcanthopsis nagarensis (Reichb. f.) Garay (syn. Vandopsis warocqueana (Rolfe) Schltr.). This species is lithophytic and can grow to heights in excess of 4 m. The scented flowers are pale yellow, the sepals and petals spotted brown inside and solid brown outside.

NUMBER OF SPECIES IN NEW GUINEA: Three species with a possibility of a fourth existing, Sarcanthopsis curvata (J.J.Sm.) Garay, S. nagarensis (Rchb.f.)Garay, S.pantherina (J.J.Sm.)Garay.

VIEW PHOTO: Sarcanthopsis nagarensis (Reichb. f.) Garay
Sogeri, Central Province, photo by Wolfgang H. Bandisch

HABITAT: These plants can be found growing mostly on rocks in full exposure to the sun in the tropical lowlands up to an altitude of 800 m above sea level.

CONSERVATION: Not threatened