Xerorchis

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Xerorchis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Tribe:	Xerorchideae P.J.Cribb
Genus:	Xerorchis Schltr.
Species

Xerorchis (from Greek xeros, dry, and orchis, testicle-shaped) is an orchid genus in the subfamily Epidendroideae, and the sole representative of tribe Xerorchideae. This is a very primitive genus consisting of terrestrial orchids. Xerorchis thrives in South America.

Taxonomy[]

It is unclear whether this genus should be classified in the lower or higher epidendroids.

Xerorchis has 8 pollinia, hence similar to the more advanced epidendroid genera of Epidendreae and Arethuseae. Yet its morphology, with unthickened stems and persistent leaves, is that of a grass and makes it more similar to Tropidieae or Triphoreae.

References[]