Cyrtopodium (abbreviated Cyrt in horticulture) is a genus of more than 40 species of epiphytic and terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales. It is the sole genus of the monotypic subtribe Cyrtopodiinae, reflecting its distinct position within the orchid family.
The genus ranges from Florida and Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean south to Argentina, making it one of the few orchid genera with representatives in both North and South America. Species grow in a variety of habitats, from seasonally dry savannas and cerrado scrublands to humid lowland forests, and exhibit both epiphytic and terrestrial life forms.
The type species, Cyrtopodium andersonii, was originally described in 1812 by A.B. Lambert as Cymbidium andersonii; the following year, Robert Brown used it to establish the genus Cyrtopodium. With more than 40 recognized species, the group has been the subject of ongoing taxonomic revision, particularly among Brazilian members of the genus. Notable species include C. flavum, C. gigas, C. glutiniferum, and C. macrobulbon, the last known for an ethnobotanical use in Mexico, where Otomi artisans extract an adhesive from its pseudobulbs to repair amate paper.
Etymology
The name Cyrtopodium was coined by Robert Brown in 1813 when he erected the genus, using the type species originally described by A.B. Lambert as Cymbidium andersonii in 1812. In horticulture the genus is routinely abbreviated Cyrt.
Distribution
Cyrtopodium species are distributed across the Americas, from Florida and Mexico in the north through Central America and the Caribbean to Argentina in the south. The genus encompasses both epiphytic and terrestrial species across a wide range of tropical and subtropical habitats.
Taxonomy
Cyrtopodium is the sole genus in the subtribe Cyrtopodiinae, making that subtribe monotypic. The type species is C. andersonii, placed in the genus by Robert Brown in 1813. GBIF records 48 descendants at the species rank, and the genus has seen ongoing taxonomic revision, particularly among its Brazilian members.
Cultural Uses
In San Pablito, Puebla, Mexico, Otomi artisans use an adhesive extracted from the pseudobulbs of Cyrtopodium macrobulbon to repair defects in handmade amate paper. The cut pseudobulb is rubbed around the edges of a hole, a paper patch is applied, and the patch is hammered into place to ensure adhesion.
