Uncifera
(from uncus, a hook, and fero, to bear; alluding to the curved process to which the pollen masses are attached). ORD. Orchideae. A small genus (three species) of stove, epiphytal Orchids, natives of Khasya. Flowers rather small or mediocre, very shortly pedicellate, in lateral, dense, spike-like racemes; sepals sub-equal, free; petals similar or rather smaller; lip affixed to the base of the column, the base produced in rather long, curved spur; lateral lobes small, the middle one entire or slightly three-lobed; pollen masses two. Leaves distichous; sheaths persistent, clothing the stem. U. heteroglossa, the only species introduced, is mainly of botanical interest. It thrives on a block or in a basket. U. heteroglossa (variable-lipped). fl. white (?); sepals and petals oblong, blunt; lip hollowed out, the front border thickened; spur ascending, hooked; raceme rather short, pale, closely speckled with red. 1878.