Thecopus Seidenf.

Abstract

Thecopus is a small genus of epiphytic, sympodial orchids with only two species that are distributed in Southern China, Indochina, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Pseudobulbs are uninodal and each bears a single petiolate, elliptic, thin, leathery leaf. Inflorescence is lateral, arises near the base of the pseudobulb and is pendulous, racemose, and many flowered. Flowers are large, resupinate, greenish yellow. Column is bent forward, not sigmoid, and foot is hollow with an entrance near the articulate lip base. Anther cap is conical (Seidenfaden and Wood 1992). Plants grow into fairly large clumps and bear several inflorescences with many flowers that open almost simultaneously. They are showy (Fig. 108.1). Thecopus maingayi and Thecopus secunda are described and illustrated.