Zygopetalum

Zygopetalum (abbreviated Z.^[2]) is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). This genus consists of fourteen currently recognized species.^[1][3]

Zygopetalum
Zygopetalum maculatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Tribe:	Cymbidieae
Subtribe:	Zygopetalinae
Genus:	Zygopetalum Hook., 1833
Type species
Zygopetalum mackayi (syn of Z. maculatum) Hook., 1833
Synonyms[1]
Zygopetalon Rchb., spelling variation

Name

This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zugón, means "yoke". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip.

The genus name has Z. as a unique abbreviation among orchid genera.^[2]

Distribution

They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.^[1]

Description

Most species are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.

They produce an erect, 60-centimeter-long, few-flowered to several-flowered, racemose inflorescence that grows laterally and is longer than the leaves. Their prominent bracts equal the length of the ovary. They are known for their fragrant, waxy, and long-lived flowers with multiple blooms in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.

Cultivation

They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers.^{[citation needed]}

Species

Species accepted as of June 2014:^[1]

Image	Name	Distribution	Elevation (m)
	Zygopetalum brachypetalum Lindl.	Brazil	1,000 metres (3,300 ft)
	Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd.	Brazil (from Santa Catarina to Espirito Santo)	600–1,200 metres (2,000–3,900 ft)
	Zygopetalum ghillanyi Pabst	Brazil (São Paulo)
	Zygopetalum graminifolium Rolfe	Brazil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro)
	Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay	Peru, Bolivia, Brazil	2,100 metres (6,900 ft)
	Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd.	Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina	600–1,000 metres (2,000–3,300 ft)
	Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr.	Brazil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo)
	Zygopetalum pabstii Toscano	Brazil (Espírito Santo)	300–400 metres (980–1,310 ft)
	Zygopetalum pedicellatum (Sw.) Garay	southeastern Brazil	600–1,200 metres (2,000–3,900 ft)
	Zygopetalum reginae Pabst	Brazil (São Paulo)
	Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers	Brazil
	Zygopetalum silvanum V.P.Castro & Campacci	Brazil (Bahia)	600–700 metres (2,000–2,300 ft)
	Zygopetalum sincoranum V.P.Castro & Campacci	Brazil (Bahia)	600–1,600 metres (2,000–5,200 ft)
	Zygopetalum triste Barb.Rodr.	Brazil (Minas Gerais)	950–1,800 metres (3,120–5,910 ft)