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Didymoplexis

Scientific Name: Didymoplexis

Family:

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Didymoplexis: The Ghost Orchid

Didymoplexis is a fascinating genus of orchids, characterized by their unique leafless and achlorophyllous nature. These intriguing plants have a wide distribution, spanning across continents and islands.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Didymoplexis
  • Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
  • Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)

Nomenclature and Synonyms

  • Several species have been identified within the genus, including:
    • Didymoplexis africana Summerh.
    • Didymoplexis brevipes Ohwi
    • Didymoplexis fimbriata Schltr.
    • Didymoplexis flexipes J.J. Sm.
    • Didymoplexis madagascariensis (H. Perrier) Summerh.
    • Didymoplexis micradenia (Rchb. f.) Hemsl.
    • Didymoplexis minor
    • Didymoplexis pallens Griff.
    • Didymoplexis subcampanulata Hayata
    • Didymoplexis sylvatica (Blume) Garay
  • Synonyms and alternative scientific names include:
    • Apetalon minutum Wight
    • Arethusa ecristata Griffith
    • Cheirostylis kanarensis Blatter &amp McCann
    • Epiphanes pallens (Griffith) Rchb.f.
    • Gastrodia pallens

Distribution and Habitat

  • Didymoplexis species are native to:
    • Africa
    • Madagascar
    • Southeast Asia
    • Australia
    • Various islands
  • They are often found in shady slopes, grassland borders, and under bamboo thickets. Some species, like Didymoplexis pallens, grow wild in places like Kebun Raya, Bogor, Java.
  • In Western Australia, Didymoplexis pallens is considered native.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Didymoplexis are terrestrial saprophytes, meaning they obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter.
  • They lack leaves and chlorophyll, which is why they are often referred to as "ghost orchids."
  • Their roots are tuberous.
  • They have erect, simple stems.
  • The inflorescence is a terminal raceme with small flowers.

Ecological Role

  • As holomycotrophic orchids, Didymoplexis species have a symbiotic relationship with fungi to obtain nutrients.

Quirky Facts

  • The pedicels (flower stalks) of Didymoplexis pallens elongate after flowering.

Further Information

  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
  • The Plant List
  • International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • Index Nominum Genericorum (ING)
  • South African National Biodiversity Institute's observations