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The genus Sarcochilus, abbreviated as Sarco in horticultural trade, is a member of the Orchid family
Distribution[]
The genus consist of around 25 species endemic to Northern Australia, Eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Caledonia.
Description[]
These are epiphytic or lithophytic orchids with leaves originating from a pseudobulb. The axillary, racemose inflorescence is pendant to arching with a few to many, successive opening flowers with free petals and sepals. The colour of the flowers is variable and goes from pure white (S. falcatus) to white and red (S. fitzgeraldii). The trilobed, fleshy labellum is saccate ( = pouch-like) and articulate to the apex of the column foot. The large side lobes are erect and curved. The small midlobe is attached to a short spur. Some of these species can form keikis, forming large clumps with age.
Culture[]
Plants grow in cool to intermediate conditions with moderate lighting. Pot plants in a well drain mix with open drainage such as medium fir bark with pumice or coarce perlite. Water regularly and keep the mix a bit moist but not damp. Plants will need to be watered more often during the summer as temperatures become more warm and less water as the temperatures cool in the winter. Wrinkled leaves indicate lack of watering. Plants like high humidity
Naming[]
The name Sarcochilus is derived from the Greek words sarx ( = flesh) and cheilos ( = lip), referring to the fleshy labellum of these orchids.
Synonyms[]
- Cylindrochilus Thwaites 1861
- Grosourdya Rchb. f. 1864
- Gunnia Lindley 1834
- Parasarcochilus Dockr. 1967
- Monanthochilus (Schltr.) R.Rice
Species[]
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References[]
| This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors). | 
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- Upton, Walter T. (1992). Sarcochilus Orchids of Australia. Double U Orchids, Balmain, 119 p.. ISBN 0646097342.