Cleisocentron Bruhl.

Abstract

With six species with scattered distribution in Himalaya, Vietnam and North Borneo, Cleisocentron are moderate sized, epiphytic, monopodial herbs with long, erect or pendent stems with fleshy strap or terete leaves. Inflorescence is supra-axillary and carries a cluster of unusually clear blue flowers with purple markings on the lip. Sepals and petals are well spread. Lip is three-lobed with a long, closed spur. Hence the name – Greek kleistos closed and kentron spur. One species is distributed from Himalaya to Borneo, a second species is endemic to Vietnam, and the remaining four are endemic in Sabah. Plants occur from 330 to 3000 m but generally at higher elevation. In Borneo, they are present in forests with ultramafic soil. Cleisocentron species are still uncommon in collections, and they are much sought after on account of their uniquely coloured flowers. Apparently, they are easy plants to cultivate (O’Byrne, 2005).