| Pseudolaelia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pseudolaelia corcovadensis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Tribe: | Epidendreae |
| Subtribe: | Laeliinae |
| Genus: | Pseudolaelia Porto & Brade |
| Type species | |
| Pseudolaelia corcovadensis Porto & Brade | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
RenataRuschi | |
Pseudolaelia is a small genus belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae), the entire genus endemic to Brazil.[1] The abbreviation used in the horticultural trade is Pdla.
Theflowers of these orchids resemble those ofLaelia, but the main difference between these two genera lies in the vegetative part.
These orchids occur exclusively in Eastern Brazil, often asepiphytes. Some arelithophytes, forming a thicket on the rocks. Others, asPseudolaelia vellozicola, are semi-epiphytes and can be found on mat-like communities ofVellozia bushes oninselbergs (dome-shaped granitic or gneissic rock outcrops) in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, requiring an adaptation to the extreme environmental conditions (dryness, isolation)
Therhizomes are extended. Thepseudobulbs are fusiform, cylindrical to conical, carrying three to eightleaves. These are apical, deciduous, upright, leathery and pointy. The base of the leaves clasps the pseudobulb from the upper third till the apex.
The inflorescence is a longraceme, growing from the apex of the pseudobulb, with an undefined number of small white to pink flowers, opening in a consecutive manner clustered at the apex.
Pollination is performed byhummingbirds,butterflies,dipterids andhymenopterids. The flowers ofPseudolaelia corcovadensis, being self-compatible, are also pollinated by deceit by the beeBombus (Fervidobombus) atratus by mimicking a generalized bee-attracting food-flower. However, these visits are rather rare
Species accepted as of June 2014:[1]
| Image | Name | Distribution | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pseudolaelia aromaticaCampacci | Minas Gerais | around 490 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia ataleiensisCampacci | Minas Gerais | around 280 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia brejetubensis M.Frey | Espírito Santo | 1100 – 1400 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia calimaniorumV.P.Castro & Chiron | Espírito Santo | 1000 – 1400 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia canaanensis (Ruschi) F.Barros | Espírito Santo | 300 – 1000 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia cipoensis Pabst | Serra do Cipó | around 1400 meters | |
 | Pseudolaelia citrina Pabst | Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo | around 1200 meters |
| Pseudolaelia corcovadensis Porto & Brade | Rio de Janeiro | 500 – 900 meters |
| Pseudolaelia dutraei Ruschi | Espírito Santo | 400 - 700 metrers | |
| Pseudolaelia freyi Chiron & V.P.Castro | Espírito Santo | 1100 – 1400 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia geraensis Pabst | Minas Gerais | ||
| Pseudolaelia irwiniana Pabst | Serra do Espinhaço | around 900 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia maquijiensis M.Frey | Espírito Santo | around 700 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia oliveiranaV.P.Castro & Chiron | Espírito Santo | 400 – 600 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia pavopolitana M.Frey | Espírito Santo | around 350 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia pitengoensisCampacci | Minas Gerais | around 600 meters | |
| Pseudolaelia regentiiV.P.Castro & Marçal | Bahia | ||
| Pseudolaelia vellozicola (Hoehne) Porto & Brade | Bahia, Espírito Santo | 1000 – 1400 meters |
Media related toPseudolaelia at Wikimedia Commons