Ascocentrum Schltr. ex J.J.Sm.,
Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg sér. 2, 14 (1914) 49
Monopodial epiphytes. Stem short with several distichous leaves. Leaves sheathing at the base, glabrous, deciduous, duplicate, narrow, sometimes terete. Inflorescence lateral, an erect, several- to many-flowered raceme. Flowers opening simultaneously along the whole inflorescence, rather small to medium-sized, resupinate, very brightly coloured (yellow, orange, red, magenta, violet). Sepals free. Petals free, similar to the sepals. Lip spurred, not mobile, the spur inside without callosities. Column-foot absent. Pollinia 2, each with a pore, solid, caudicles absent, stipe present, viscidium present.
Distribution
Sri Lanka, tropical continental Asia, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia (east to Sulawesi); about 12 species.
Distribution in the Philippines
Luzon (Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Rizal, Quezon), Mindanao (Lanao, Agusan, Davao); probably only one species [Ascocentrum aurantiacum subsp. philippinense Christenson].
Habitat
Epiphytes in lowland and montane forest.
Notes
Because of the brightly coloured flowers this is a well-known genus in horticulture. Some species are collected in large quantities for the local markets, posing a threat to their existence in the wild.