Status:
valid
Authors:
Ormerod
Source:
wcs
Year:
2008
Citation Micro:
Harvard Pap. Bot. 13: 66 (2008)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000913375
Common Names
- Microchilus atalayae
- Atalayae Microchilus
- Atalayae Orchid
Description
Microchilus atalayae (also called Atalaya's Microchilus, among many other common names) is an epiphytic orchid native to Central and South America. It has an upright habit and can reach up to 30 cm in height. Its leaves are lanceolate in shape and are dark green in colour. It is found in forests, scrub, and along streams in its native region.
Uses & Benefits
Microchilus atalayae is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies and is also used in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Microchilus atalayae is yellow and has a pleasant scent. The seed is small and black. The seedlings are small and have a pale green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Microchilus atalayae is an epiphytic orchid native to Central and South America. It is best grown in a well-draining medium such as bark or sphagnum moss. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. Propagation is done through division or by seed.
Where to Find Microchilus atalayae
Microchilus atalayae can be found in the tropical forests of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Species in the Microchilus genus
Microchilus hirtellus,
Microchilus major,
Microchilus minor,
Microchilus ovatus,
Microchilus pauciflorus,
Microchilus plantagineus,
Microchilus anchoriferus,
Microchilus arietinus,
Microchilus austrobrasiliensis,
Microchilus bimentatus,
Microchilus brachyplectron,
Microchilus buchtienii,
Microchilus callophylloides,
Microchilus calophyllus,
Microchilus caucanus,
Microchilus dolichostachys,
Microchilus ecuadorensis,
Microchilus epiphyticus,
Microchilus erythrodoides,
Microchilus glacensis,
Microchilus hetaerioides,
Microchilus lamprophyllus,
Microchilus laticalcar,
Microchilus luniferus,
Microchilus mexicanus,
Microchilus nigrescens,
Microchilus ortgiesii,
Microchilus paleaceus,
Microchilus platanilloensis,
Microchilus preslii,
Microchilus procerus,
Microchilus quadratus,
Microchilus riopalenquensis,
Microchilus schultesianus,
Microchilus scrotiformis,
Microchilus sparreorum,
Microchilus sprucei,
Microchilus tridax,
Microchilus trifasciatus,
Microchilus venezuelanus,
Microchilus vesicifer,
Microchilus weberianus,
Microchilus xystophyllus,
Microchilus zeuxinoides,
Microchilus brunnescens,
Microchilus campanulatus,
Microchilus capitatus,
Microchilus constrictus,
Microchilus curviflorus,
Microchilus ensicalcar,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,