Spathoglottis Blume
Bijdr. 6: t. 2, f. 76; 8: 400 (1825)

INTRODUCTION: Some forty-five species are widely distributed from India and throughout S.E. Asia to the Philippines, New Guinea, Austr-alia and some Pacific Islands. The genus is allied to Calanthe R. Br. and Phaius Lour.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: In reference to the prominent spade-like labellum of the flowers the genus name was derived from the Greek spathe = blade and glotta = tongue or lip. Carl Blume established the genus in 1825.

TYPE SPECIES: Spathoglottis plicata Blume

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GENUS: Medium-sized to large, terrestrial herbs with long, pleated leaves which arise from the ovoid, sometimes de-pressed pseudo-bulbs. The inflorescence arises from a basal leaf axil and carries few to many flowers ranging in colour from snow white to yellow, peach, pink, red and magenta. The individual flowers are not par-ticularly long-lived but flowers are p-roduced in profusion over a long period of time.

NUMBER OF SPECIES IN NEW GUINEA: approx. 6

See article on: Spathoglottis papuana Bailey

Species shown here:

Spathoglottis portus-finschii Kraenzlin
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
Key to illustration:A: habit and inflorescence; B: inflorescence; C: flower, side view

Spathoglottis parviflora Kraenzlin
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
Key to illustration: A: habit and inflorescence; B: inflorescence; C: flower, side view

Spathoglottis pulchra
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
Key to illustration:A: habit and inflorescence; B: inflorescence; C: flower, side view

Most recent species discovered: Spathoglottis umbraticola Garay sp. nov.
Click on link to view description, drawing and photo.

HABITAT: Species of Spathoglottis are inhabitants of moist grasslands, open savannah and road side cuttings and can be found from sea level to 2,700 m altitude. Several natural hybrids are known from Papua New Guinea. Some species are self-pollinating.

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