HISTORY. The genus Trichoglottis got its name from the Greek word "thrix" which means hair, and "glotta" which means tongue, referring to the hairy surface of the labellum. Prof. Henrich G. Reichenbach named this magnificent species in 1876 in Linnaea. The specific name refers to the dark-colored flowers

The species is better known as Trichoglottis brachiata Blume, however, Reichenbach’s name has priority by 45 years. According to Jim Cootes, a study of the microfiche of the type specimen of T. atropurpurea leaves no doubt as to the synonymity of T. brachiata. The specific name comes from the word "brachium", which means "arm" in reference to the arm-like appearance of the lip.

However, since the plant is different from the type specimen for Trichoglottis (it is upright instead of hanging and with larger flowers), it was considered as another section of T. philippinensis, and another group of experts suggested that it should be assigned to another genus, Stauropsis.

The genus Stauropsis is derived from the Greek word "stauros", "a cross," and "opsis," which means "the appearances" in reference which may seem obscure, but undoubtedly refers to the cross-like appearance of the side lobes of the labellum. Stauropsis was originally proposed as a genus and described by Reichenbach in 1860 upon the Philippine plant Stauropsis philippinensis (T. philippinensis), which has been formerly referred to the genus Trichoglottis by Lindley. During the next few years, the genus was expanded, and besides, the original species included a number of important species which have now been considered members of another distinctive genus, such as Vandopsis lissochiloides (Stauropsis lissochiloides). Later, however, the Philippine members were again linked with the genus Trichoglottis and in recent years they have been alternately segregated and reassigned as Stauropsis and Trichoglottis.

INTERESTING FACTS. The attractive species from the Philippines has been regarded by several authors as a variety of T. philippinensis Lindley. It is distinguished by the broader petals and sepals of the flowers, their rich dark maroon color, and the shape and red purple of the lip. It is popularly known as black orchid.

The group of plants included under the genus Trichoglottis has caused considerable controversy among botanists and at present there is a divided opinion regarding their correct systematic position in the family of orchids. Within this genus there are apparently two comparatively different types of plants. One type, which is exemplified by T. rosea, is a hanging plant. This type of plant is believed by some authorities to be the representative of the genus. The other group of plants which are characterized by upright growth and larger flowers, about an inch or more in diameter, is represented by T. philippinensis (Stauropsis philippinensis). Some authorities believe that the latter group and the species under study should be segregated as a separate genus, Stauropsis.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION. The species is widely distributed in the Philippines, and is found in Agusan del Sur, Catanduanes, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Leyte, Palawan, Quezon, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte. It grows as an epiphyte in mangrove swamps, and commonly found at up to elevations of 300 meters above sea level.

DESCRIPTION. These are epiphyte herbs with leafy, monopodial stems that are climbing (erect) or pendulous. The erect, rigid stems are about 30 to 60 cm long and 2.5 to 4 cm wide. The fleshy flowers can make solitary or sessile appearances in the axils of leaves, or on many-flowered racemes.

The flowers are quite larger compared to other species of the genus, about 2 inches or 6 cm in diameter. The flowers are dark-blackish maroon with dark velvety texture and emanate a mild violet-like fragrance. The star-shaped, and long-lived flowers (last 3 to 4 weeks on the plant) occur individually or in pairs at each leaf axil. Since several flowers open simultaneously on each stem, branching from the base, the blooming plant can be used for a striking display.

Sepals and petals are dark maroon in color, spreading, thick, while the lateral sepals are thick, ovate to ovate -lanceolate, 2 to 2.5 cm long, 1 to 1.5 cm wide. The dorsal sepal is similar in form and texture 1.7 to 1.9 cm long, 1 to 1.4 cm wide. The petals are thick, lanceolate to oblong-elliptic, 1.9 to 2 cm long, 6 to 7 mm wide. The lip is 5-lobed, white with purple lines at base, quite hairy along the central ridge, throat golden yellow, labellum fused to lower half of column, and base saccate or strongly concave. All species have four unequal pollinia in two pairs. It flowers during the months of May to October.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Light and Temperature. The species’ requirements range from shady to bright sun. Temperature must not drop below 5 degrees Celsius.

Watering. The plants require high humidity and need ample water.

Ventilation. Like all vandaceous orchids, it needs to be protected from too much wind or draft by providing wind breakers.

Potting Media & Potting Technique. The plant can be established on slabs of tree fern roots, driftwood or in wooden or plastic baskets. The plant can also be mounted on clay pots with charcoal and pieces of tree fern or paslak. Optimal growth is obtained with the same conditions provided for tropical vandas.

Fertilization. Use foliar fertilizer, and spray recommended dose once every week, usually after watering, or more often as long as the dosage is reduced. Organic fertilizer like well-decomposed chicken manure can also be used by applying them on the potting mixture.

Conventional Propagation. These plants can be propagated by top cutting, as long as the topcuts have three roots. Topcuts are repotted in plastic or wooden baskets or clay pots with charcoal. Seal woundswith fungicide paste and do not water top cuttings for three days to prevent rotting. Water afterwards and apply rooting hormone to induce establishment of roots. New shoots will usually sprout from the severed stem. Stop application of rooting hormone once roots are established. Fertilized to make plants grow healthy.

Propagation by Tissue Culture. The plant can also be propagated by seeds. Pollinate plants and fruit capsules will usually be ready for harvest at about 5 months after pollination. Seeds from fruit capsules can be sown inside the laboratory, in sterile artificial nutrient media using embryo culture techniques. Selected forms can also be cloned or micropropagated using meristem culture or a technique using immature inflorescence inoculated into sterile artificial nutrient media using plant tissue culture techniques.—PHILIPPINE ORCHID SOCIETY.