Scaphosepalum | |
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Scaphosepalum swertiifolium | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
Tribe: | Epidendreae |
Subtribe: | Pleurothallidinae |
Genus: |
Scaphosepalum Pfitzer, 1889 |
Type species | |
Scaphosepalum verrucosum (Rchb. f.) Pfitzer |
Scaphosepalum (from Greek "boatlike sepals") is a genus of plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae. The species in this genus are mostly found in Central and South America, with one species extending into southern Mexico. In accordance with their genus name, many species in this genus produce unusual and distinctive flowers; some possessing cushion-like characteristics reminiscent of an African buffalo's horns, others possessing characteristics of snake fangs.
Species in this genus are ephiphytic in their growth habit and according to the Royal Horticultural Society Sppm. is the genus' official abbreviation.