Eltroplectris Raf., Fl. Tellur. 2:51, 1837. 
Etymology: Eltro, a corrupt form of e/eutheros = free and 
plectron = spur, in reference to the spur-like 
process formed by the lateral sepals with the free- 
projecting column-foot. 
Syn.: Centrogenium Schltr. in Beih. Bot. Centralbl. 37(2): 
451, 1920. 
Lectotype: Neottia calcarata Sw. [Correa in Dar- 
winiana I1: 81, 1955] 
Sepals free, unequal in size, somewhat spreading; lateral 
sepals longer than dorsal sepal, decurrent on column-foot and 
with free part of column-foot form a pendulous, spur-like pro- 
cess. Petals agglutinate with dorsal sepal, basally decurrent on 
column. Lip membranaceous, with a distinct claw, arcuately 
recurved, towards base with marginal thickenings, somewhat 
shorter than sepals. Column slender, rather short, erect, basally 
extended into a long column-foot which at first adnate to ovary 
then freely protruding from ovarian tissue; stigmata 2, free to 
approximate, but never confluent, terminal, horizontal, often 
appear bilobed, more or less separated from one another by 
terminal edge of a distinct fold running full length on face of 
column; rostellum rigid, more or less cartilaginous, subulate to 
linear, sharply pointed. Anther ovate-cucullate, persistent; pol- 
linia clavate with an oblong viscidium. Ovary cylindric, sessile or 
subsessile. 
Terrestrial, erect herbs with fleshy, fasciculate roots. Leaves 
one to several, basal, petiolate, occasionally withering during 
anthesis. Stem slender, erect, vaginate, terminated by a few- to 
many-flowered, lax raceme or spike. Flowers variable in size. 
TYPE: Neottia calcarata Sw. 
Ten species native to the American tropics and subtropics. 
Index to species. 
acuminata Raf. = Eltroplectris calcarata (Sw.) Garay & Sweet 
calcarata (Sw.) Garay & Sweet 
Cogniauxiana (Schltr.) Pabst 
janeirensis (Porto & Brade) Pabst 
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