Griffiniopsis sp.

Griffiniopsis sp

Origin: A colony of bulbs were found in the District of Pirabeiraba in the northern part of Santa Catarina State, Brasil.

Habitat: Cool, humid area next to river/water course.  Bulbs grow among thick undegrowth in dense forest, in humus rich soil.  Plants receive very little sunlight.

Distinguishing Features: The flowers of this specific colony of plants resemble that of a Griffiniopsis blumenavium (now also known as Eithea blumenavia).  However, the main distinguishing features of this population include:

(1) its leaf blades are much rounder (about 4.5 cm broad and 9 cm long) than that of a typical Griffiniopsis blumenavium (about 3 cm broad and more than 20 cm long).  Its leaf stalk is less than 0.5 cm broad and about 5 cm long which is also much shorter than that of a typical Griffiniopsis blumenavium; and

(2) its foliage is developed in a rosetted arrangement which is quite different from the somewhat distichous foliage arrangement of the typical Griffiniopsis blumenavium.

Griffiniopsis blumenavium is a very widespread species native to areas in close proximity to river courses in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Parana and Santa Catarina States.  The plant shown above may possibly be a form/variety of Griffiniopsis blumenavium.

Cultivation: Bulbs enjoy a cool and humid environment in cultivation.  I grow my bulb in pure sphagnum moss in a corner where very little sunlight is received.

Dennis Tsang (May 3, 2005)
Hong Kong