Hemipilia – Myorchids

Distribution:
Approximately 73 species (including the former genera *Amitostigma*, *Neottianthe*, and *Ponerorchis*). Widespread in the temperate regions of Eurasia, with some species occurring in the mountains of the subtropics. In Europe, only *Hemipilia cuculata* occurs naturally from Poland eastward. *Hemipilia graminifolia* is found only in Japan. *Hemipilia lepida* is found only on the islands of Okinawa.

Plant Description:
Hemipilia cucullata overwinters as an elliptical tuber. In spring, two basal leaves develop. The inflorescence is 10–30 cm long and bears pink flowers in a one-sided spike. Hemipilia graminifolia overwinters as a small, spherical tuber. Two to four leaves appear in April or May. Small pink to violet flowers bloom in June and July. Hemipilia lepida is dormant in summer and grows during the winter.

Cultivation:
Hemipilia lepida grows in winter and is dormant in summer. Hemipilia graminifolia grows in summer, requiring consistently moist, well-drained soil. It needs to be frost-free and almost dry in winter.

Recommended soil mixtures:
Wood fiber mixture with Floraton 3 or similar commercial potting soils. Good cultivation results also occur in mineral soils. Volcanic grit, volcanic stratum, Seramis, pumice with 10 to 20% organic components.

Recommended reading:

Hardy orchids. Phillip Cribb and Christopher Bailes, 1989. Timber Pr. ISBN 0 88192 147 5.