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Description
Satyrium Bicallosum, also known as the Two-lip Satyrium or the Two-lipped Satyr, is a plant species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. This orchid species is native to the eastern side of the Cape Province in South Africa, where it grows in moist, shady areas of forests, stream banks, and rocky slopes. It is an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants for support, but does not parasitize them.The name “Satyrium” comes from the Greek word “satyros,” which means “a woodland deity.” The name “Bicallosum” refers to the two callosities, or raised areas, found on the lip of the flower.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Satyrium |
| Species | Satyrium bicallosum |
Appearance
Satyrium Bicallosum is a small to medium-sized orchid, growing up to 40 cm in height. It has pseudobulbs, which are thickened, bulb-like stems that store water and nutrients. The leaves are relatively small, measuring 7 to 10 cm in length and 1 to 1.5 cm in width. The inflorescence, or flower stalk, is slender and bears up to 20 flowers, each measuring about 1.5 to 2 cm across. The flowers are two-lipped, with the upper lip being erect and the lower lip hanging down. They are usually pink to purple in color, but can also be white or yellowish.
Care Guide
To care for Satyrium Bicallosum, keep the following in mind:- Water: This orchid species prefers moist conditions, so water it regularly, but do not let it sit in water.- Fertilization: Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark or sphagnum moss.- Sunlight: This orchid species prefers bright, indirect light.- Hardiness Zones: Satyrium Bicallosum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The most common pests and diseases that affect Satyrium Bicallosum include:- Scale insects: These pests suck sap from the plant and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Mealybugs: These pests also suck sap and can be treated with the same methods as scale insects.- Crown rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage and can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-draining and not too wet.
Habitat
Satyrium Bicallosum is native to the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, where it grows in moist, shady areas of forests, stream banks, and rocky slopes. It is an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants for support, but does not parasitize them.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Satyrium Bicallosum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is given bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should Satyrium Bicallosum be watered?
A: It should be watered regularly, but do not let it sit in water.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Satyrium Bicallosum?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Q: What is an epiphytic plant?
A: An epiphytic plant is a plant that grows on other plants for support, but does not parasitize them.
Related Plants
Other orchid species that are related to Satyrium Bicallosum include:- Satyrium carneum- Satyrium cristatum- Satyrium longicauda- Satyrium odorum
References
– “Satyrium bicallosum,” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed May 12, 2021, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:651572-1.- “Satyrium Bicallosum,” Orchidspecies.com, accessed May 12, 2021, https://www.orchidspecies.com/satybicallosum.htm.
