Alphabetical Listing - P -
| PABSTIA
Garay 1973
SYNONYMS Colax 
| (Pab.) Named in honor of Brazilian orchidologist, Dr. Guido Pabst, co-author
Orchidaceae Brasilienses.
There are six epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed in Brazil. Species have large showy and fragrant flowers. Species are closely allied to Zygopetalum. Genus Pabstia was established in 1973 when Garay moved all five species of genus Colax to it. The move was considered necessary because "Colax" was found to be an illegitimate later homonym (the name was previously given to a synonym of Lycaste). Species are still sometimes found listed under Colax and occasionally under Maxillaria as well. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PABSTIELLA Brieger & Senghas 1976 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PACHYNE Salisb. 1812 |
See Phaius |
| PACHYPHYLLUM
Kunth 1815
SYNONYMS Orchidotypus 
| (None)
There are about thirty small monopodial species in this genus distributed in the wet cloud forests of the mountainous regions from Costa Rica, Panama to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Species produce tiny white or green flowers. Some authors list Pachyphyllum species in genus Maxillaria or genus Barkeria. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PACHYPLECTRON
Schltr. 1906
| (None)
Common name: "Jewel Orchid" There are only one or two rare species in this genus. They have very pretty foliage and small complex flowers. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PACHYRHIZANTHE (Schltr.) Nakai 1931 |
See Cymbidium |
| PALIRIS Dumort. 1827 |
See Liparis |
| PALMOGLOSSUM Klotzsch ex Rchb.f. 1856 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PALUMBINA
Rchb.f. 1861
| (None) palumbina,pertaining to wood-pigeons; alluding to a similarity
of the flower to a dove with spreading wings.
There is only one epiphytic species, P. candida, in this genus distributed in the wet cloud forests of southern Mexico and Guatemala. Species produces an inflorescence of seven or eight pure white flowers with small violet dots at the base of the petals. The lateral sepals are united and completely hidden behind the lip. Species is closely allied to Oncidium. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PANISEA
Lindl. 1854
SYNONYMS
| (None)
There are about ten miniature epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed from Nepal and Sikkim Himalaya to Vietnam. Species produce a short raceme of one to six translucent white to pale apricot colored flowers. Species are closely allied to Coelogyne. Species of this genus are rarely seen in cultivation. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PANSTREPIS Raf. 1836 |
See Coryanthes |
| PAPHINIA
Lindl. 1843
| (Pna.) Gr. Paphia, the name of Aphrodite of Cyprus
There are about 25 small epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the very wet forests of Central and South America from Venezuela to Bolivia. Species produce a pendent inflorescence with very large, spectacular blossoms. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PAPHIOPEDILUM
Pfitzer 1886
SYNONYMS
| (Paph.) Gr. Paphia,of Paphos, epithet of Venus; pedilon,sandal
alluding to the slipper-shaped lip.
Common name: "Lady's Slipper," "Venus slipper orchid," "Slippers" (Australia), "Frauenschuhe" (Germany) There are about 60 to 70 mostly terrestrial and a few rare epiphytic species in this genus distributed widely in intermediate and tropical regions of the world including Asia, southern India, New Guinea, and the Philippines with most species concentrated in Burma and Thailand. Flowers are usually produced singly on a scape and have a common distinctive form; the lateral sepals are fused into a "synsepal" which is usually small and hidden behind the distinctive pouch-like lip. The dorsal sepal is usually large and showy. The lateral petals may be short and rounded or long and twisted, sometimes decorated with hairs or warts. The most distinctive defining feature of the genus is the shield-shaped "staminode" at the center of the flower. Species can be placed into of three groups: - mottled-leaved - usually lowland warm growers; - plain-leaved single blooming - prefers intermediate or cool temperatures; - plain-leaved multiple blooming - prefers warmer temperatures and brighter light conditions. Species were originally considered to be part of genus Cypripedium to which they resemble. They differ in that they are easily cultivated unlike Cypripediums. Paphiopedilum has long been a favorite of collectors, growers, and hobbyists, many of whom specialize exclusively in this genus. Unfortunately, their popularity has caused over collecting and is now the center of Orchid conservation efforts. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PAPILIONANTHE
Schltr. 1915
| (None) L. papilio,butterfly anthe,flower
Common name: "Terete Vandas" alluding to the similarity to genus Vanda except for the terete leaves. There are about eleven epiphytic monopodial species in this genus distributed in the Asian tropics from Sri Lanka to Sulawesi. Species produce a few-flowered raceme of very showy white to pink flowers. Species were previously placed in genus Aerides or genus Vanda. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PAPILIOPSIS E.Morren 1874 |
See Oncidium |
| PAPPERITZIA
Rchb.f. 1852
| (None) Named in honor of William Papperitz a friend of the genus author,
Reichenbach.
There is only one small species, P. leiboldi, in this genus distributed southern Mexico in the forests of Oaxaca and Veracruz. Species produce yellowish white flowers with a very complicated lip. P. leiboldi is very rare and none have survived more than about six years in cultivation. Species was originally placed in genus Leochilus. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PARACALANTHE Kudo |
See Calanthe |
| PARADISANTHUS
Rchb.f. 1852
| (Pdsnth.) Gr. para,akin; Disanthus, a bush
Common name: "Paradise Flower" - Not because of its looks... There are about seven terrestrial species in this genus distributed in Brazil. The species are not all that attractive and are not generally cultivated. Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PARAPACTIS W.Zimm 1922 |
See Epipactis |
| PARAPHALAENOPSIS
A.D.Hawkes 1963
| (Prphln.) Gr. para,akin; Phalaenopsis; Related to genus Phalaenopsis.
There are four rare monopodial epiphytic species in this genus distributed in Western Borneo (officially Kalimantan of Indonesia). This genus was established to accommodate four species originally grouped in genus Phalaenopsis because they differ having terete leaves. Species flowers are very attractive and long lasting. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PARASARCOCHILUS
Dockrill 1967 | illegitimate later homonym See Sarcochilus or Pteroceras (Psarco.) This genus of three Australian species was established in 1967 by created by Dockrill. In 1972, however, Garay incorporated two of the species, P. hirticalcar and P. spathulatus, into genus Pteroceras and returned P. weinthalii to genus Sarcochilus. |
| PECTINARIA Cordem. 1899 |
illegitimate later homonym See Angraecum |
| PEDILEA Lindl. 1826 |
See Malaxis |
| PARASARCOCHILUS Dockrill 1967 |
illegitimate later homonym See Pteroceras or Sarcochilus |
| PATTONIA Wight 1852 |
See Grammatophyllum |
| PAXTONIA Lindl. 1838 |
See Spathoglottis |
| PECTEILIS
Raf. 1836
| (Pctls.)
There are about a dozen very pretty, leafy terrestrial species in this genus distributed from southeast Asia to Japan. Species blooms are large and usually white or pale green with very fringed lips. Cultivate like the genus Caladenia. These species are sometimes included in the genus Habenaria. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PEDILOCHILUS
Schltr. 1905
| (None) Gr. pedilon,shoe, slipper; cheilos,lip; alluding to the
slipper-shaped lip of the flower.
There are about fifteen epiphytic or occasionally terrestrial species in this genus distributed in New Guinea and surrounding islands. Species produce a scape bearing a single flower with a pouched lip resemblant of Paphiopedilum species. Species are related to genus Bulbophyllum. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PEDILONUM Blume 1825 |
See Dendrobium |
| PELATANTHERIA
Ridl. 1896
| (Pthia.) Gr. pelat, anthera, anther
There are about seven small monopodial epiphytic species in this genus distributed in southeast Asia, southern China, and Indonesia. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PELMA Finet 1909 |
See Bulbophyllum |
| PENTHEA Lindl. 1836 |
See Disa |
| PENTULOPS Raf. 1836 |
See Maxillaria |
| PERAMIUM Salisb. ex Coult. 1812 |
See Goodyera |
| PERISTERANTHUS
T.E.Hunt 1954
| (None)
There is only one uncommon monopodial epiphytic species, P. hillii, in this genus distributed in Australia. Species produces multiple inflorescences of small blooms. P. hillii was relocated from genus Ornithochilus. Photo courtesy of Jay's Key West Orchid | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PERISTERIA
Hook. 1831
SYNONYMS Eckartia 
| (None) Gr. peristerion,little dove; alluding to the similar appearance
of the flower to a dove with spread wings.
Common name: "Dove Orchid," "Holy Ghost Orchid" There are about a dozen epiphytic or terrestrial species in this genus distributed in open grassy areas or wet forests from southern Central America to Brazil. Species produce an erect or pendent inflorescence of fleshy flowers with partially fused lateral sepals. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PERULARIA Lindl. 1835 |
See Platanthera or Habenaria |
| PESCATORIA (Pescatorea) Rchb.f. 1852
| (Pes.) Named in honor of French patron of orchids, M. Pescatore
of Chateau Celle St. Cloud.
There are about sixteen epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the very wet forests from Costa Rica to Ecuador. Species produce a spectacular single-flowered inflorescence. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PESOMERIA Lindl. 1838 |
See Phaius |
| PETALOCENTRUM Schltr. 1918 |
See Sigmatostalix
Note: Some authors consider Petalocentrum to be a valid genus and not a synonym |
| PETALOCHILUS R.S.Rogers 1924 |
See Caladenia |
| PETRONIA Barb.Rodr. 1877 |
See Batemannia |
| PHADROSANTHUS Neck. ex Raf. 1790 |
See Epidendrum |
| PHAIUS
Lour. 1790
SYNONYMS
| (Phaius) Gr. phaios,dark; referring to the dark flower color of the first species described
Common name: "Nun's Orchid," "Nun's Cap Orchid," "Veiled Nun Orchid" There are about fifty mostly terrestrial species in this genus distributed widely from Africa through India, southeast Asia and China to the Pacific Island. A very popular genus among collectors because of their ease of cultivation and tall racemes of large showy fragrant flowers ranging from white or bright yellow inside to dull brown and white on the back of the sepals and petals. Additionally, species are attractive out of bloom as well with distinctly veined leaves. Species are closely allied to Calanthe differentiated by minor variations in the flower structure. The genus name is sometimes incorrectly spelled "Phajus." | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PHALAENOPSIS
Blume 1825
SYNONYMS
| (Phal.) Gr. phalaina,moth; opsis,appearance; alluding to the likeness of the flower
to certain tropical moths in flight.
Common name: "Moth Orchid" There are about fifty to seventy monopodial epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus widely distributed throughout most of tropical Asia including southern India, Nepal, China, Papua New Guinea and many Pacific islands. A large number of species are concentrated in the Philippines and some species are found in Australia as well. One of the most popular genera among collectors and growers for their early flowering inflorescences of widely diversified long-lasting flowers and rapid growth. It is not uncommon for species to reflower from old nodes along a previously flowered inflorescence. Propagation in cultivation is often accomplished through the harvesting of keikis. Species are closely allied to Kingidium (some authors consider them to be cogeneric), and Doritis. | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PHANIASIA Blume ex Miq. 1865-66 |
invalid name See Habenaria |
| PHLOEOPHILA Hoehne & Schltr. 1926 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PHOLIDOTA
Lindl. ex Hook. 1825
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. pholidotos,scaly; descriptive either of the large
inflorescence
bracts
or of the large sheaths surrounding the
pseudobulbs.
Common name: "Rattlesnake-tail Orchid," "Necklace orchid," "Fairy's-peach-on-the-rock Orchid," "Mountain Pearl Orchid" There are about forty or fifty medium size epiphytic species in this genus widely distributed from Sri Lanka to New Guinea including India, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia. Species can be divided into two groups. Those that produce clustered pseudobulbs similar to Dendrobium species and those which produce new growth from the top of the previous pseudobulb forming a chain-like plant. Species produce an arching inflorescence bearing large numbers of dull-coloured flowers in two ranks. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PHRAGMIPEDIUM
Rolfe 1896
SYNONYMS Uropedium 
| (Phrag.) Gr. phragma,fence or division; pedilon,slipper; alluding to
the divisions of the trilocular ovary and to the slipper-shaped lip.
There are about twenty terrestrial, epiphytic, and lithophytic species in this genus distributed in tropical America from Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia. Species were originally in genus Paphiopedilum to which the flowers closely resemble. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PHREATIA
Lindl. 1830
SYNONYMS Plexaure
| (None) Gr. phreatia,a well; alluding to the close grouping of the lateral (side)
sepals and the
lip.
There are about 150 - 200 epiphytic species in this genus distributed in moist lowland forests of southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia with about 70 species found in New Guinea. Species produce an erect or pendant inflorescence bearing large numbers of tiny white or whitish flowers. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PHYLLORCHIS Thouars 1808 |
Orthographic variant of Phyllorkis See Cirrhopetalum and Bulbophyllum |
| PHYLLORKIS Thouars 1809 |
See Bulbophyllum |
| PHYSANTHERA Bertol. ex Steud. 1841 |
See Rodriguezia |
| PHYSOSIPHON Lindl. 1835 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PHYSOTHALLIS Garay 1953 |
illegitimate later homonym See Pleurothallis |
| PIERARDIA Raf. 1836 |
illegitimate later homonym See Dendrobium |
| PILUMNA Lindl. 1844 |
See Trichopilia |
| PINALIA Lindl. 1826 |
See Eria |
| PIPERIA Rydb. 1901 |
See Platanthera or Montolivaea (syn Habenaria) |
| PITTIERELLA Schltr. 1906 |
See Cryptocentrum |
| PLACOSTIGMA Blume 1828 |
See Podochilus |
| PLATANTHERA
Rich. 1818
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. platys,broad; anthera,anther; alluding to the unusual width of the anther.
There are over 200 mostly terrestrial species in this genus distributed literally worldwide in the north temperate zones including some as far north as Eastern and Central Canada. A few species are also found in the tropics of South America and Africa. Species produce flowers that are highly variable in size. Some species are markedly showy when well-flowered. Photos courtesy of Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLATYCLINIS Benth. 1881 |
See Dendrochilum |
| PLATYPUS Small & Nash 1903 |
See Eulophia |
| PLATYSMA Blume 1825 |
See Podochilus |
| PLATYSTELE
Schltr. 1910
| (None) Gr. platystele,a broad column.
There are about 75 miniature epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the American tropics from Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil. Some species are localized and rare while others are far ranging. Species produce flowers so small, a magnifying lens is needed to closely study them. Species are often mistakenly placed in genus Pleurothallis because of the strong resemblance. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLATYSTYLIS Lindl. 1830 |
See Liparis |
| PLECTORRHIZA
Dockrill 1967
| (Plrhz.) Gr. plectos,plated; rhizos,root; alluding the long twisted roots of these species.
There are only three monopodial epiphytic species in this genus. Two species are found on the mainland of Australia and the third only on Lord Howe Island. Typically, the orchids hang from one or two roots attached to a thin branch with many roots extending free in the air. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLECTRELMINTHUS
Raf. 1836
| (Plmths.) Gr. plektron,spur; helminthion,worm; alluding to
the flowers' long 20-25 cm, twisted spur.
There is only one large vandaceous epiphytic species, P. caudatus, in this genus distributed widely in west Africa from Sierra Leone to Cameroun. Species produces an inflorescence of up to twenty large non-resupinate flowers. P. caudatus was originally placed in genus Angraecum as were many other African epiphytes. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLECTROPHORA
H.Focke 1848
SYNONYMS Jansenia 
| (None)
There are about nine epiphytic species in this genus distributed mainly in Brazil and may also be found in Peru and Venezuela. Species have large complex flowers and are quite rare. Species are closely allied to Comparettia. Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLECTURUS Raf. 1825 |
See Tipularia |
| PLEIONE
D.Don 1825
| (Pln.) Gr. Pleione, Greek name of the mother of the Pleiades of
Greek Mythology who were transformed into a cluster of stars by Zeus.
Common name - The Peacock Orchid. There are about fifteen usually terrestrial but sometimes epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed from the Himalayan through southern China and the island of Formosa. Species flowers are large relative to the plant and are quite flamboyant white to rose-purple and occasionally yellow color with a distinctive tubular lip. Species are closely allied to Coelogyne and were once considered a subgenus of the group. Species are actively used for hybridization. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLEURANTHIUM Benth. 1883 |
See Epidendrum |
| PLEUROBOTRYUM Barb.Rodr. 1877 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PLEUROTHALLIS
R.Br. 1813
SYNONYMS
| (Pths.) Gr. pleurothallos,riblike branches; alluding to the many
tufts of rib-like stems found in many species.
There are over 1,000 species in this HUGE eclectic genus. Ever see a train wreck? Well, I consider this to be the train wreck of the orchid family... You describe it, there is probably a species in this genus that will match... tall or short, large or small, terrestrial or epiphytic, erect or pendent, creeping or clumped, thick or thin, course or delicate, tropical or temperate, dry or wet. Over 27 subgenera with 25 sections have been created in an attempt to organize this catch-all collection. The ONLY consistent member characteristic of this genus is they all possess two pollinia. Species are frequently found in collections... usually unidentified or misidentified. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PLEXAURE Endl. 1833 |
See Phreatia |
| PLOCOGLOTTIS
Blume 1825
| (None) Gr. ploke,binding together, fastening braid; glotta,tongue;
alluding to a membraneous fold on each side of the lip.
There are about 35 terrestrial species in this genus distributed in southeast Asia, New Guinea and the Philippines. Species produce an elongated inflorescence bearing small successively opening yellow to orange-colored flowers with occasionally red spots or flushing. The flower's lip is peculiarly arranged so when it is touched, it springs closed against the column thereby attaching the pollinia to the back of a momentarily trapped pollinator. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PODANGIS
Schltr. 1918
| (None) Gr. podos,foot; angos,vessel
There is only one rare epiphytic species, P. dactyloceras, in the genus distributed widely in the wet tropical equatorial African forests from Guinea and Sierra Leone in the west to Uganda and Tanzania in the east. P. dactyloceras produces an inflorescence of up to twenty translucent white flowers, each with a long spur at the base of the funnel-shaped lip. Photo courtesy of Jay's Key West Orchid | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PODANTHERA Wight 1851 |
See Epipogium |
| PODOCHILUS Blume 1825
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. podos,foot; cheilos,lip
There are about sixty moss-like epiphytic species in this genus distributed in India, China, southeast Asia, and New Guinea. Species produce a raceme or a solitary scape bearing tiny but pretty white flowers with purple markings. Species are closely related to Chilopogon and Appendicula. | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| POGOCHILUS Falc. 1842 |
See Galeola |
| POGONIA
Juss. 1789
| (None)
There are about ten small terrestrial species in this genus distributed widely in the temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Species were once considered to be part of genus Arethusa. It was There were originally a large number of species in the genus, but most have been reclassified to other genera including Cleistes, Triphora, and Nervilia. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| POLLINIRHIZA Dulac 1867 |
See Listera |
| POLYBACTRUM Salisb. 1814 |
See Pseudorchis |
| POLYCHILOS Breda 1827 |
See Phalaenopsis |
| POLYCYCNIS
Rchb.f. 1855
| (Pcn.) Gr. polys,many; kyknow,swan; alluding to the many flowers
which resemble small swans.
There are about fifteen epiphytic or terrestrial species are in this genus distributed in the wet forests from Costa Rica to Bolivia. Species are somewhat allied to a Stanhopea. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| POLYRRHIZA Pfitzer 1889 |
See Polyradicion
In 1969, Garay removed species gracilis, lindenii, and sallei from this genus and formed genus Polyradicion. The remaining two 2 species, fawcettii and funalis, were moved to genus Dendrophylax. |
| POLYRADICION
Garay 1969
SYNONYMS Polyrrhiza 
| (None)
Common name: "Ghost Orchid," "Frog Orchid" There are only three epiphytic species in this genus all distributed in swampy forests of the West Indies and Florida. These are some of the extraordinary leafless orchids. The orchid appears as a large tangled mass of green-colored roots that serve a duel purpose of acquiring nutrients and processing them through photosynthesis. Species produce an inflorescence with one to ten very unusual looking white flowers which open one at a time. Species are a rare in nature and seldom seen in collections. In 1969, Garay moved species gracilis, lindenii, and sallei from genus Polyrrhiza to create this genus. Species are closely related to other leafless Neotropical orchid genera Dendrophylax and Harrisella. Photo courtesy of Rufino Osorio (c) 1993 | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| POLYSTACHYA
Hook. 1825
SYNONYMS
| (Pol.) Gr. polys,many; stachys,ear of grain or spike
There are over 150 mostly small epiphytic species in this genus distributed mostly in tropical Africa. For the orchidist interested in unusual orchids this genus is very interesting. They are quite showy orchids producing inflorescence of small non-resupinate flowers in a wide variety of colors. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| POLYSTYLUS Hasselt ex Hassk. 1855 |
See Phalaenopsis |
| POLYTOMA Lour. ex Gomes 1868 |
illegitimate later homonym See Bletilla |
| POMATOCALPA
Breda, Kuhl & Hasselt 1827
| (Pmcpa.) Gr. poma(atos),drinking cup; kalpe,pitcher; alluding to the flask-shaped lip.
There are about forty monopodial epiphytic species in this genus distributed throughout the lowland rain forests of tropical Asia, India, the Philippines, New Guinea, and Samoa. Species produce dull brown, yellowish to green flowers on large branched inflorescences. Species were once included in genus Sarcanthus (Cleisostoma) | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PONERORCHIS
Rchb.f. 1852
| (None) Gr. poneros,miserable; orchis,orchid
There are about twenty dwarf terrestrial species in this genus distributed in the cooler regions of eastern Asia including Japan. Species are closely allied to genus Amitostigma and Orchis differing only in the structure of the flowers. Some authors consider this genus to be a synonym or subgenus of Habenaria. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PONTHIEVA
R.Br. 1813
SYNONYMS
| (None) Named in honor of Henri de Ponthieu, a merchant in the
French W. Indies who sent plants to Sir Joseph Banks in 1778.
There are about twenty-five small terrestrial or epiphytic species in this genus distributed from southern North America and Mexico to Chili and in the Caribbean. Species are allied to genus Cranichis. Photo courtesy of Michael Dillon of Flora of the Andes | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PORROGLOSSUM
Schltr. 1920
SYNONYMS Lothiania (Lothoniana)
| (Prgm.) Gr. porroglossa, a distantly held tongue; alluding to the
spoon-shaped lip.
There are about thirty small epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed in the mountain cloud forests of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. There is also a single species found in Bolivia. Species are characterized by a successive flowering raceme of small to medium size flowers. The flower is unique in that the lip is designed to snap up when disturbed lifting the pollinator to the column thereby attaching the pollinia to the pollinator. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PRASOPHYLLUM
R.Br. 1810
SYNONYMS Anticheirostylis
| (None) Gr. prason,leek; phyllon,leaf
Common name: "Leek Orchid" There are about 60 to 70 deciduous terrestrial species in this genus distributed in Australia. A few species are also found in New Zealand. Species have subterranean tuberoids and a hollow leaf through which the inflorescence emerges. Flowers are usually fragrant and green, white or pinkish in color. Many species only flower following summer fires. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PREPTANTHE Rchb.f. 1852-53 |
See Calanthe |
| PRESCOTTIA
Lindl. 1825
SYNONYMS
| (None)
There are about 35 terrestrial species distributed widely from South Florida and Mexico to Brazil and Peru. Most species are found in the Brazilian region of South America. Some of the species were originally placed in genus Cranichis. An alternate incorrect spelling, "Prescotia" is sometimes seen. | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PROMENAEA
Lindl. 1843
| (Prom.) Gr. Promeneia was a priestess of Dodona mentioned by Heroditas.
There are about twenty small epiphytic distributed in the forested mountain areas of central and southern Brazil. Species produce a single-flowered inflorescence. Species of this genus are ideal for novice growers. They tolerate the trials and errors experienced during the early years of orchid growing. Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PROSTHECHEA Knowles & Westc. 1838 |
See Epidendrum |
| PSEUDEPIDENDRUM Rchb.f. 1852 |
See Epidendrum |
| PSEUDELLEANTHUS Brieger 1983 |
See Elleanthus |
| PSEUDERIOPSIS Rchb.f. 1849 |
See Eriopsos |
| PSEUDOCTOMERIA Kraenzl. 1925 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PSEUDODIPHRYLLUM Nevski 1935 |
See Platanthera |
| PSEUDOEURYSTYLES Hoehne 1944 |
See Eurystyles |
| PSEUDOHEXADESMIA Brieger 1976 |
invalid name See Hexadesmia |
| PSEUDOLIPARIS Finet 1907 |
See Malaxis |
| PSEUDOMACODES Rolfe 1892 |
See Macodes |
| PSEUDOMAXILLARIA Hoehne 1947 |
See Maxillaria |
| PSEUDORCHIS
Seg. 1821
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. pseud, false; orchis,orchid
Common name: "False Orchid" There are about five terrestrial species in this genus distributed in the mountain areas and damp pastures and meadows of Europe. Species of this genus have had a very confusing taxonomic history, with species being previously classified as genus Habenaria, Gymnadenia, Orchis, and other genera. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| PSEUDOSTELIS Schltr. 1922 |
See Pleurothallis |
| PSITTACOGLOSSUM La Llave & Lex. 1825 |
See Maxillaria |
| PSYCHECHILOS Breda 1827 |
See Zeuxine |
| PSYCHILIS
Raf. 1836
| (None) Gr. psyche,butterfly; cheilos,lip
There are about fifteen mostly epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the Caribbean, primarily Hispanola and Puerto Rico. Species produce an inflorescence with flowers that bloom in succession for long periods of time; sometimes for many years. Sauleda revived this genus in 1988 when he relocated 15 species from genus Epidendrum. Dressler does not list this genus and other authors list it as a synonym of genus Epidendrum and genus Encyclia. Photo courtesy of Rufino Osorio, AOS Magazine, (c) 1992 | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| PSYCHOPSIS
Raf. 1836
| (Psychp.) Gr. psyche,butterfly opsis,like; alluding to the flower's
resemblance to a butterfly.
There are five epiphytic species in this genus distributed high up in the wet forests from Costa Rica to Peru. Species flowers are spectacular looking like strange butterflies with the lateral sepals appearing like the insect's antennae. Flowers are produced singly in succession. Species in this genus were originally in genus Oncidium. In some references, Psychopsis is not considered to be a valid genus or is considered to be a synonym of genus Oncidium. | ||||||||
SPECIES
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| PSYGMORCHIS
Dodson & Dressler 1972
| (None) Gr. sigma.C-shaped; orchis,orchid; alluding to the fan-shaped growth habit.
There are seven epiphytic species distributed in Central and South America from Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia. Usually found growing in guava or coffee trees. Species are fan-shaped and produce an inflorescence with flowers blooming singly in succession at the apex. Flowers have a large four-lobed lip resembling species of genus Oncidium where they were formerly placed. Plants are typically short-lived, some species only lasting one year after completing its seed reproduction cycle. Photo courtesy of Cahajek's Peruvian Orchids | ||||||
SPECIES
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| PTEROCERAS
Hasselt ex Hassk. 1842
SYNONYMS
| (Ptrcrs.) Gr. pteron,feather, quill; keras,horn; alluding to the
two narrow wing-like appendages at the base of the lip.
There are about twenty small monopodial epiphytic species distributed in rain forests from northeast India to southeast Asia with most species found in Borneo. Species produce an inflorescence bearing attractive flowers which resemble miniature versions of Phalaenopsis. | |||||||
SPECIES
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| PTEROCHILUS Hook. & Arn. 1832 |
Synonym of Microstylis, See Maxillaria |
| PTEROGLOSSA Schltr. 1920 |