| Etymology | Genus | Cup; referring to the cup-shaped lip of the flower |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Loosely spreading; perhaps referring to the roots | |
| Family | Orchidaceae | |
| Synonyms | Pomatocalpa latifolium (Lindl.) J.J.Sm. | |
| Common Names | - | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Epiphyte | |
| Native Distribution | Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Indonesia | |
Diagnostics:
Pomatocalpa diffusum is a single-stem epiphytic orchid that can grow up to 5m long (Watthana, 2007). Roots can emerge throughout the length of the stem. The leaves are long and narrow (up to 20 x 4 cm). The inflorescences are branched with tiny yellow flowers. The petals are lined with reddish-brown edges.
Interesting Facts:
Pomatocalpa diffusum can only be found in Nee Soon Swamp Forest today (Lok et al., 2010). It has been recorded growing on trees in open and shaded areas of tropical forests, mangroves, beach forests, and around villages, as well as on granite bed rocks (Watthana, 2007).
Pomatocalpa diffusum growing on his host at the edge of the swamp forest.
Fruiting individuals
Small saplings
Leaf shealth on the stem.
Minute branched flowers.
References
Lok AFSL, WF Ang & HTW Tan. (2010) The status and distribution in Singapore of Pomatocalpa diffusum Breda. Nature in Singapore, 3: 147-152.Watthana S, (2007) The genus Pormatocalpa (Orchidaceae): A taxonomic monograph. Harvard Papers in Botany, 11: 207-256.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-10-12 / Modified: 2017-12-25