Cleisocentron | |
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Cleisocentron merrillianum | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
Tribe: | Vandeae |
Subtribe: | Aeridinae |
Genus: | Cleisocentron Brühl |
Type species | |
Cleisocentron trichromum (syn of C. pallens) (Rchb. f.) Brühl.
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Synonyms[1][2] | |
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Cleisocentron is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae.[3] It has a disjunct distribution, known from the Himalayas, Vietnam, China and Borneo.
The species of this genus are tropical epiphytes with a pendent or erect habit. The leaves may be terete or broad. Both types of leaves may occur on the same specimen, as some species exhibit leaf polymorphy.[4] Three species have blue flowers,[5] but other colours, such as pink and white also occur.
The generic name is derived from the Greek kleistos meaning closed,[6] as well as kentron meaning spur.[5][6] The name relates to the morphology of the spurred labellum.[4]
There have been reports of pollination or visitation by ants, which was observed during field expeditions in Borneo.[7][8] Alternatively, there have been speculations, that the nectariferous flowers are pollinated by butterflies.[5]
Eight species are currently recognized:[9]
Cleisocentron is rarely found in cultivation.[6][4] However, they are easy to cultivate.[6]