The problem with the identification of Stelis spp. is that they tend to have very small flower parts. Differences in morphological features in the flowers are too small to detect without a dissecting microscope. Jeweler's loupes can help, but their magnification power is somewhat limited and can be imprecise.
The flower parts that are readily visible are only the sepals. The petals, column, and labellum are extremely tiny on many Stelis spp.
Then there's the fact that many Stelis spp. are not yet identified by science.
There's also the thing where some species of Stelis look very similar to each other at first glance.
Stelis are Pleurothallids, btw.
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Philip
Last edited by King_of_orchid_growing:); 04-17-2011 at 01:05 AM..
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