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The Oncidium Section Onusta
Another Section, established by Garay and Stacy in their 1974 review, 2 again on a single species, onustum. This Section is botanically identified by the plants produc-ing more or less well developed
pseudobuibs, either with an aborted terminal appendage, or with normally developed leaves. The leaves are leathery
or fleshy with a bluntly serrated edge towards the apex. The flower sepals and petals are spreading. The lip has
distinct lateral lobes, the column is short with auricies and a short rostellum. The Section is closely allied
to the Oncidium Section.2
Onc. onustum, according to Van der Pijl and Dodson, 26 is native of the coastal deserts of Ecuador, where it grows on a cactus. It would appear
that culturally this species would respond to conditions appropriate to the Section Oncidium and Ceboletae; the
Dictionary of Gardening 6 indicating this is related to the species tetrapetalum of the Oncidiurn Section.
The plants need intermediate conditions, and growers should allow them to dry between waterings, and give good
air movement. Onustum has been in cultivation since 18481 and is also reported from Panama. 6
This is an attractive small compact plant which produces a good display, and which could find a place in any collection.
* ONCIDIUM SLIDE SHOW *
A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF ONCIDIUM ORCHIDS- click
on above link
A schedule of flowering times for the Crispa Section oncidiums is available on the follwing link
Crispa Section flowering times
Remember,
growing orchids is all about enjoying your plants
and sharing your growing success with friends and family.
Good luck and good growing.
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