Epidendrum piperinum

Epidendrum piperinum is a small succulent epiphytic orchid native to the tropical Cloud forest of Colombia, Ecuador (including Carchi and Pichincha),[1] and Peru, at altitudes close to 3 km. Reichenbach noted that the plant resembled a Peperomia.[2]

Epidendrum piperinum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Genus: Epidendrum
Subgenus: Epidendrum subg. Epidendrum
Section: Epidendrum sect. Planifolia
Subsection: Epidendrum subsect. Umbellata
Species:
E. piperinum
Binomial name
Epidendrum piperinum

Description

The branched reed-like stems of E. piperinum are covered from the base to apex with imbricating sheaths; on the upper stem, these sheaths terminate in alternate oblong succulent leaves. The very short peduncle is not covered by any sheath or spathe where it emerges from the apex of the stem, and terminates in one small green flower at a time. The 3 mm long filiform petals stand erect alongside the much broader (1 mm) acute-ended 5 mm long dorsal sepal. The keeled ovate-lanceolate lateral sepals diverge narrowly and grow partially under the thick, heart-shaped lip.

References
  1. C. H. & P. M. Dodson "EPIDENDRUM PIPERINUM Lindl." Plate 0481 of Icones Plantrum Tropicarum, Series II Orchids of Ecuador Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis. 1989
  2. H. G. Reichenbach "Orchides" in C. Müller, Ed.Walpers Annales Botanices Systematicae Tomus VI p. 401. Berlin. 1861


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