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Description
Adenochilus is a genus of orchids that includes only one species, Adenochilus gracilis. This plant is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, where it grows in damp, shady forests and on rocks. Adenochilus is a small, delicate orchid that produces one or two leaves and a single flower on a thin stem. The flower is tubular and has a bright green, hairy lip that traps insects and spiders for pollination. The plant is quite rare in the wild and is also difficult to cultivate, making it an intriguing addition to any orchid enthusiast’s collection.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Adenochilus |
Appearance
Adenochilus has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other orchids. The plant produces one or two oval-shaped leaves that are dark green and leathery. The stem is thin and wiry, and it grows up to 20 cm tall. The flower is the most distinctive feature of Adenochilus. It is tubular and can grow up to 4 cm long. The color of the flower varies from pale green to yellow-green, and it has a bright green, hairy lip. The lip is shaped like a funnel and has a sticky substance that traps insects and spiders. The flower blooms in late winter and early spring, and it lasts for several weeks.
Care Guide
Adenochilus is a challenging plant to grow, and it requires specific growing conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for Adenochilus:- Water: Adenochilus prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, and make sure to drain any excess water from the pot.- Fertilization: Adenochilus does not require frequent fertilization. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Adenochilus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is ideal.- Sunlight: Adenochilus prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Adenochilus is not cold hardy and should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Diseases
Adenochilus is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control spider mites.- Mealybugs: These pests leave a white, cottony residue on the plant and can cause stunted growth. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Remove infected plants and sterilize any tools or pots that came in contact with the fungus.
Habitat
Adenochilus is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, where it grows in damp, shady forests and on rocks. The plant prefers to grow in areas with high humidity and cool temperatures, and it can be found at altitudes of up to 1200 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Adenochilus easy to grow?
A: Adenochilus is a challenging plant to grow and requires specific growing conditions to thrive.
Q: What is the best soil for Adenochilus?
A: Adenochilus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is ideal.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in Adenochilus?
A: Adenochilus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and Fusarium wilt.
Q: Where is Adenochilus found in the wild?
A: Adenochilus is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, where it grows in damp, shady forests and on rocks.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Adenochilus:- Caladenia: These orchids are native to Australia and have similar tubular flowers with a hairy lip.- Pterostylis: These orchids are also native to Australia and have small, green flowers that resemble Adenochilus.- Dendrobium: These orchids have a similar growing pattern to Adenochilus, with one or two leaves and a thin stem.
References
– “Adenochilus gracilis.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed March 22, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=2928.- “Adenochilus.” OrchidWeb. Accessed March 22, 2021. https://www.orchidweb.com/genus/Adenochilus. – “Adenochilus gracilis.” Australian Native Orchid Society. Accessed March 22, 2021. https://www.anos.org.au/an-adg.htm.
