Zygopetalum (abbreviated Z.Alphabetical List of Standard Abbreviations for Natural and Hybrid Generic Names, RHS, 2007. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/plant-registration-forms/orchid-name-abbreviations-list.pdf) is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). This genus consists of six currently recognized species.Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant FamiliesPridgeon, A.M., Cribb, P.J., Chase, M.C. & Rasmussen, F.N. (2009). Epidendroideae (Part two). Genera Orchidacearum 5: 1-585. Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford.
Name This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zugón, means "yoke". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip.
The genus name has Z. as a unique abbreviation among orchid genera.
Distribution They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.
Description Most species are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.
They produce an erect, 60-centimeter-long, few-flowered to several-flowered, racemose inflorescence that grows laterally and is longer than the leaves. Their prominent bracts equal the length of the ovary. They are known for their fragrant, waxy, and long-lived flowers with multiple blooms in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.
Cultivation They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers.
Species Species accepted as of September 2026: Image Name Distribution Elevation (m) Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd. Brazil (from Santa Catarina to Espirito Santo) Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay Peru, Bolivia, Brazil Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd. Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr. Brazil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) Zygopetalum mosenianum Barb.Rodr. southeastern Brazil Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers Brazil
References
External links
Orchidroots.org Zygopetalum Species