Zygostates alleniana.
Zygostates grow in Northern Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Peru, this particular miniature is one of about 20 species in the genus. Zygostates alleniana is a sympodial epiphytic plant and, as can be seen in the images, the leaves are arranged in a fan with each fan having four or more leaves. The leaves are stiff and smooth and on this plant, they are about 20mm long.
Zygostates alleniana flowers in the Spring, inflorescences arise from the leaf axils with each one bearing up to thirty white and green flowers, occasionally more, each lasting for several weeks. Flowers are about 10mm across and the plant will produce many inflorescences with all flowers opening at once.
The lip of the flower is uppermost and forms a pouch-like structure with a fleshy, green base, sepals are smaller than the petals and often recurved whilst the petals are much flatter with a toothed margin.
Pollen masses are held beneath the yellow pollen cap with the stipe curving gracefully up to the tip of the column.
Zygostates alleniana prefers shady to moderate light in intermediate to warm conditions with good air movement and high humidity. Plants should be watered all year but allowed to just dry between waterings, they can be fertilized with a weak solution once a month or so.
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