Cirrhaea dependens

Description

Cirrhaea dependens is a species of orchid endemic to Brazil. It is the type species for its genus. Cirrhaea is a genus of orchids, comprising 7 recognized species, all endemic to Brazil. Cirrhaea is a genus with about seven species of sympodial epiphytic orchids. They are distributed in Brazil. A genus very close to Gongora and Polycycnis from which it differs in having a labellum with 3 lobes and a column. All species in this genus are epiphytes with a sympodial development. The roots are aerial, white and very fine, developing in dense bundles. Some roots develop upwards instead of hanging downwards. This specialization helps in the formation of large skeins of aerial roots. Many are found in association with nesting ants. The conical pseudobulbs are ribbed and about 8 cm long. Two alternate leaves are produced at the apex of each pseudobulb. The leaves are leathery and with pronounced veins, reaching up to 30 cm in length.