Microsaccus
Introduction '''''Microsaccus''''' is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia.
Description ===Vegetative characteristics===These miniature epiphytes produce laterally flattened, distichously arranged leaves on thin stems.===Generative characteristics===The usually two-flowered inflorescences are short. The spurred, minuscule flowers have a simple labellum. The flowers have four pollinia. Within the fruits there are pale brown to whitish trichomes with an oblong-elliptic basal zone. They have perforations in the basal region.
Etymology The generic name ''Microsaccus''  is composed of the Greek words μικρός (mikrós) meaning small and saccus meaning sack, which refers to the labellum.
Ecology ''Microsaccus truncatus'' is known to grow epiphytically in montane forest at 1200 m above sea level. ''Microsaccus griffithii '' occurs in forests at elevations of 500–2770 m above sea level.
Physiology ''Microsaccus'' uses CAM photosynthesis.
Taxonomy ===Species===The genus contains 13 accepted species:#''Microsaccus affinis'' J.J.Sm. - Java#''Microsaccus albovirescens'' J.J.Sm. - Sumatra#''Microsaccus ampullaceus'' J.J.Sm. - Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia#''Microsaccus borneensis'' J.J.Sm. - Borneo#''Microsaccus canaliculatus'' J.J.Sm. - Sumatra#''Microsaccus dempoensis'' J.J.Sm. - Sumatra#''Microsaccus griffithii'' (C.S.P.Parish & Rchb.f.) Seidenf. - Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, Malaysia, Java, Sumatra, Philippines #''Microsaccus javensis'' Blume - Malaysia, Java#''Microsaccus mihoae''  P.O'Byrne & Gokusing - Borneo#''Microsaccus ramosus'' J.J.Sm. - Java#''Microsaccus sumatranus'' J.J.Sm. - Malaysia, Sumatra#''Microsaccus truncatus'' Carr - Malaysia#''Microsaccus wenzelii'' Ames - Philippines
Phylogeny It is closely related to the genus ''Jejewoodia ''. One species, namely ''Jejewoodia longicalcarata'' (Ames & C.Schweinf.) J.J.Wood used to be ''Microsaccus longicalcaratus'' Ames & C.Schweinf. It has been suggested to reunite these two genera, due to their similar appearance. Another closely related genus is ''Adenocos'', which does not have a spur, unlike the former two genera.
Horticulture ''Microsaccus'' can be cultivated under moist conditions with a lot of air movement, and intermediate temperatures. The plants should be placed in a semi-shaded position. It is rarely cultivated.
See also * List of Orchidaceae genera
References
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