catasetum Bot.
(kætəˈsiːtəm)
[mod.L. (L. C. Richard 1822, in K. S. Kunth Synopsis Plantarum I. 330) f. Gr. κατά down + L. seta bristle.]
A plant of the genus Catasetum, a genus of epiphytic orchids native to tropical America, in which the rostellum of the male flower is developed into two slender horns or bristles.
| 1829 Loudon Encycl. Plants i. xx. 756. 1843 Florist's Jrnl. IV. 184 A beautiful dwarf orchideous plant, resembling a catasetum in habit. 1914 Chambers's Jrnl. Oct. 631/1 Catasetums have established themselves, some with huge pseudo-bulbs. 1956 Dict. Gardening (R. Hort. Soc.) (ed. 2) I. 412/2 When growing, all Catasetums benefit by a tropical atmosphere. 1962 Amat. Gardening 7 Apr. 6/3 In most of the catasetums and mormodes the male and female flowers are carried on separate spikes or separate plants. |