New Orchids

I recently obtained two new orchids in plant trades.  Both of these are terrestrial orchids, which is different from the bulk of my collection.  Also, they are both among the group of orchids with more attractive foliage than flowers.

Oeceoclades maculata

Oeceoclades maculata is native to west tropical Africa, but has been introduced in the Americas, from Argentina to Florida, where it is spreading rapidly.  [By the way, the genus Oeceoclades is pronounced ee-see-o-CLAY-dees, or o-ee-see-o-CLAY-dees.]  This species has the common name of "Monk's Orchid."  The foliage resembles, and is often confused with, plants from the genus Sansevieria, commonly called "Snake plant" or "Mother-in-law's Tongue."  The distinguishing characteristic is the pseudobulbs which are exposed about the soil surface.

Sarcoglottis sceptrodes

Sarcoglottis sceptrodes is native to the Central American countries of Ecuador and Nicaragua.  The plants grown in cultivation have been selected from those with the best foliage, so those in nature are less distinctly marked.  It has the common name of "Portilla's Sarcoglottis," which isn't a lot easier to say than the actual genus and species.  The foliage on this plant is velvety and iridescent.  Very nice.