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Lorenzia umbrosa E.G.Gonç.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Lorenzia umbrosa E.G.Gonç.
  • Common Name: No widely used common names

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Serra do Navio, Amapá state, Brazil
  • Features: Small (5–11 cm) sagittate leaves; purple‑brown spathe; compact spadix

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Lorenzia
  • Botanical Background: Described by Eduardo G. Gonçalves (2012) based on cultivated material that flowered after DNA evidence suggested its novelty. The genus honors Brazilian botanist Harri Lorenzi.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to a single locality in Serra do Navio, Amapá, Brazil; possibly adjacent French Guiana.
  • Environment: Understorey of lowland Amazon rainforest; constant high humidity (>80%), stable warm temperatures (22–28 °C), acidic, well‑draining organic soil.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Sagittate‑shaped, 5–11 × 2.5–8 cm, glossy green above, lighter beneath
  • Reticulate venation
  • Densely pilose

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • SSingle to paired
  • Spathe elliptic (3–5.5 × 1–2 cm), purple‑brown
  • Spadix ~2 cm, lightly scented
  • Likely pollinated by small beetles

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial rhizomatous geophyte with underground stems
  • Produces solitary foliage leaves spaced by cataphylls

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Avoid direct sun

Watering & Humidity

  • Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
  • Maintain >70% humidity

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Use loose, well‑draining mix (peat, orchid bark, perlite)
  • Terracotta or plastic pot with drainage

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal 20–28 °C
  • Feed monthly (balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength) during active growth

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Best via rhizome division when repotting
  • Ensure each division has ≥1 leaf node


Seeds

  • No documented cultivation from seed

  • Viability likely low outside native habitat

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Susceptible to root rot if overwatered
  • Occasional mealybugs or spider mites in low‑airflow conditions

Treatment Recommendations

  • Improve drainage
  • Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests
  • Fungicide drench (e.g., copper-based) for root rot

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Late flowering in cultivation (2010) confirmed its distinct genus status
  • Named for Harri Lorenzi’s contributions
  • Valued by collectors for rarity and compact form
  • Seldom available commercially

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Known only from one locality

  • Not yet IUCN‑assessed but likely Vulnerable

Market Availability

  • Extremely rare
  • Limited to specialized botanical gardens and aroid collectors

References & Resources

Further Reading

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