11 June

Zygopertalum crinitum

Zygopetalum come from humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil. This generic name isderived from the Greek word "zygon" and means "yoked petal." It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip caused by the fusion of petals and the sepals. Generally Zygopetalum are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. This photo was taken in the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens, London.