The Structural–Rhythmological Organization of Coelogyne (Orchidaceae Juss.) Inflorescences

Abstract

The morphostructure of inflorescences in the genus Coelogyne Lindl. was studied for the first time using a structural–rhythmological approach. Three species of Coelogyne were used to describe one-season, intercalary, and all-season inflorescences. In C. monilirachis, a new type of all-season inflorescence was identified, characterized by a prolonged sympodial growth of the rachis, lack of a pronounced dormant period, and thickening of all rachis internodes except the first. This inflorescence has been determined to be a compound monochasial cyme, with each floral unit represented by a separate flower. C. ovalis has a one-season inflorescence, with the floral unit being a determinate bracteous spike (stachyoid), and C. prolifera developed intercalary inflorescences united in an indeterminate bracteous spike.