Zygopetalum
# Zygopetalum

Zygopetalum (abbreviated Z.) is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Cymbidieae, subtribe Zygopetalinae), consisting of fourteen currently recognized species.

## 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 June 2014:

| Name | Distribution | Elevation (m) |
| - | - | - |
| Zygopetalum brachypetalum Lindl. | Brazil | 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) |
| Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd. | Brazil (from Santa Catarina to Espirito Santo) | 600–1,200 metres (2,000–3,900 ft) |
| Zygopetalum ghillanyi Pabst | Brazil (São Paulo) | |
| Zygopetalum graminifolium Rolfe | Brazil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) | |
| Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay | Peru, Bolivia, Brazil | 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) |
| Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd. | Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina | 600–1,000 metres (2,000–3,300 ft) |
| Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr. | Brazil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) | |
| Zygopetalum pabstii Toscano | Brazil (Espírito Santo) | 300–400 metres (980–1,310 ft) |
| Zygopetalum pedicellatum (Sw.) Garay | southeastern Brazil | 600–1,200 metres (2,000–3,900 ft) |
| Zygopetalum reginae Pabst | Brazil (São Paulo) | |
| Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers | Brazil | |
| Zygopetalum silvanum V.P.Castro & Campacci | Brazil (Bahia) | 600–700 metres (2,000–2,300 ft) |
| Zygopetalum sincoranum V.P.Castro & Campacci | Brazil (Bahia) | 600–1,600 metres (2,000–5,200 ft) |
| Zygopetalum triste Barb.Rodr. | Brazil (Minas Gerais) | 950–1,800 metres (3,120–5,910 ft) |
