Microsaccus | |
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Botanical illustration of Microsaccus griffithii as Microsaccus brevifolius | |
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Botanical illustration of floral details of Microsaccus javensis | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
Tribe: | Vandeae |
Subtribe: | Aeridinae |
Genus: | Microsaccus Blume[1] |
Synonyms[1] | |
This genus has no synonyms |
Microsaccus is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia.[1]
These miniature epiphytes produce laterally flattened, distichously arranged leaves on thin stems.[2][3]
The usually two-flowered inflorescences are short.[3] The spurred, minuscule flowers have a simple labellum.[2] The flowers have four pollinia.[4] Within the fruits there are pale brown to whitish trichomes with an oblong-elliptic basal zone. They have perforations in the basal region.[5]
The generic name Microsaccus is composed of the Greek words μικρός (mikrós) meaning small and saccus meaning sack, which refers to the labellum.[6]
Microsaccus truncatus is known to grow epiphytically in montane forest at 1200 m above sea level.[6] Microsaccus griffithii occurs in forests at elevations of 500–2770 m above sea level.[7]
Microsaccus uses CAM photosynthesis.[7]
The genus contains 13 accepted species:[1]
It is closely related to the genus Jejewoodia .[8] One species, namely Jejewoodia longicalcarata (Ames & C.Schweinf.) J.J.Wood used to be Microsaccus longicalcaratus Ames & C.Schweinf.[9] It has been suggested to reunite these two genera, due to their similar appearance. Another closely related genus is Adenocos, which does not have a spur, unlike the former two genera.[8]
Microsaccus can be cultivated under moist conditions with a lot of air movement, and intermediate temperatures. The plants should be placed in a semi-shaded position. It is rarely cultivated.[6]