''Xerorchis'' (from Greek ''xeros'', dry, and ''orchis'', testicle-shaped) is an orchid genus in the

subfamily In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end subfamily botanical names with "-oideae", and zoologi ...

Epidendroideae, and the sole representative of tribe Xerorchideae. This is a very primitive genus consisting of terrestrial orchids. ''Xerorchis'' thrives in South America.

Taxonomy

It is unclear whether this genus should be classified in the lower or higher epidendroids. ''Xerorchis'' has 8 pollinia, hence similar to the more advanced epidendroid genera of

Epidendreae The tribe Epidendreae of the Orchidaceae comprises six subtribes:C. Van den Berg "Artificial key to the subtribes of Epidendreae" in Pridgeon, Crib, Chase & Rasmussen, Eds.''Genera Orchidacearum Volume 4 Epidendroideae (Part one)'' p. 164. Oxford ...

and Arethuseae. Yet its morphology, with unthickened stems and persistent

leaves A leaf (plural, : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant plant stem, stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", wh ...

, is that of a bambusoid grass and makes it more similar to

Tropidieae Tropidieae is an orchid tribe in the subfamily Epidendroideae. See also * Taxonomy of the Orchidaceae The taxonomy of the Orchidaceae (orchid family) has evolved slowly during the last 250 years, starting with Carl Linnaeus who in 1753 recogni ...

Triphoreae Triphoreae is an orchid tribe in the subfamily Epidendroideae. See also * Taxonomy of the Orchidaceae The taxonomy of the Orchidaceae (orchid family) has evolved slowly during the last 250 years, starting with Carl Linnaeus who in 1753 recogniz ...

References

{{Taxonbar, from1=Q311893, from2=Q2285580 Xerorchideae genera Xerorchideae