microcoelia-exilis

The genus Microcoelia includes about 27 miniature epiphytes whose common denominater is a rare foam of existance-they are entirely leafless. The assimilation and storage functions of the leaves were taken over by the Chloroschista and Polyrrhiza. Microcoelia orchids have stems that are either extremely elongated or extremly shortened ;M.exilis is an example of the latter type. Its intensely reduced stem(often not longer than ,fleshy,flattened roots. They are silvery when dry ,and green when wet. Abundant ,semi-erect flower spikes are formed between the root bases and each of them measures up to 6 in/15 cm and bears up to 30 whitish flowers that open one by one. Grow them in a semi-shady ,considerably moist and well-ventilated place . To avoid the risk of mold,watering (and also temperature )should be somewhat reduced in the winter. The flowers appear irregularly ,almost any time during the year . The species is reported to grow in the area between equatorial Africa,South Africa and Madagascar.