Elleanthus bifarius Garay 1978

Photos courtesy of Christian Gegenbauer

Common Name The Double-Sided Elleanthus [refers to the odd, bract encased inflorescence that is a very compressed corymb]

Flower Size

Found in Colombia and Ecuador on a steep, rocky slope definately sun- exposed at elevations of 1900 to 2150 meters as a cool growing terrestrial and has leaves that are very stiff and glistening dark green. I am definately hesitant about this determination Christain is fairly certain but the photo in Native Colombian Orchids shows a plant that the bracts in effect cover the flowers completely and it has the appearance of a short Heloconia or squashed red pine cone.

Synonyms

References W3 Tropicos, Kew Monocot list ,IPNI ; Native Colombian Orchids COS Vol 5 1994; Native Ecuadorian Orchids Vol 2 Dodson 2002

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