PlantaeDB Logo
Login Sign-up

Genus Pecteilis in Family Orchidaceae

In botanical taxonomy, a genus (plural genera) is a rank used to group closely related species within a family. In the hierarchy, genus sits below family and above species.

Genera are defined by shared morphological, anatomical, and genetic characteristics (for example, features of flowers, fruits, seeds, or leaves) that indicate a close evolutionary relationship among the species they contain.

Each genus can include one or more species. Examples include Rosa (roses) and Solanum (nightshades, including tomato and eggplant).

Do you wish to read more about plant taxonomy? Click here!

Genus Description

Suggest a correction!

Pecteilis (family Orchidaceae; tribe Orchideae) comprises approximately 10–14 terrestrial species ranging from the Indian Subcontinent through Southeast Asia to the Ryukyu Islands and Malesia, primarily in seasonal grasslands, savannas, open scrub, and lowland to hill forests up to 1,200 m (POWO, 2024; WFO, 2024). The type is Pecteilis susannae (Roxb.) Raf. (WFO, 2024).

Morphologically Pecteilis is keyed by paired ovoid-tuberous roots, rosulate or basal leaves with smooth surfaces and a waxy cuticle, and relatively large white or greenish flowers that are often fragrant at dusk (Pridgeon et al., 2001; van den Bergh, 1962). The dorsal sepal is galeate, lateral sepals are reflexed, and the petals are separate from the dorsal sepal forming a short, often narrow lip with a conspicuous central callus and sometimes a small basal spur; the rostellum bears prominent lateral lobes (Pridgeon et al., 2001). Gynostemium structure follows the Orchis-type pattern with a trilobed stigma, a rostellum that forms a viscidium, and pollinia attached by short caudicles; the superior ovary is unilocular with parietal placentation (Pridgeon et al., 2001). Capsular fruit bears dustlike, wind-dispersed seeds typical of Orchidaceae (Pridgeon et al., 2001).

Species richness is centered in India, Thailand, Myanmar, and the western Malesian archipelago, with narrow endemics in the Philippines and the Ryukyus (POWO, 2024; WFO, 2024). Habitats span dry grasslands to moist secondary forests, suggesting broad ecological tolerance. Biogeographically, the genus conforms to the Sino–Indian and Southeast Asian orchid pattern.

Basic chromosome numbers are well documented at x=21 for several species (Sarkar et al., 1974). Field notes record nocturnal fragrance and hawkmoth visitation for P. susannae, consistent with the genus’s floral traits (van den Bergh, 1962).

Pecteilis is often treated as separate from Habenaria, despite historical synonymization under the latter in some treatments (Chase et al., 2009; APG, 2009; van den Bergh, 1962). Recent molecular work clarifies that a robust Pecteilis clade is nested within Orchidinae, yet taxon sampling remains limited, and several narrow taxa remain imperfectly known (Chase et al., 2009). Taxonomically, subgeneric or sectional groupings are not consistently applied.

The genus is sought in horticulture for its large, showy flowers, especially P. susannae, and some taxa are cultivated as ornamentals; no species are major crops or timber sources. Several slender species are locally common pioneers in secondary habitats and may spread readily in disturbed ground, warranting monitoring for invasiveness in appropriate climates.

Conservation concerns center on habitat loss and overcollection; exact threat levels remain unevenly assessed across the range, and several endemics are data deficient (WFO, 2024). Priority actions include formal threat assessments and targeted field surveys.

Pick a Species to see its components: