Galeola
Galeola is a genus of orchids belonging to the subfamily Vanilloideae.
All species in this genus are myco-heterotrophic, i.e. they are parasitic upon fungi. The genus is spread throughout southeast Asia as well as Madagascar and Comoros.
Galeola is of biological interest because of its exclusive myco-heterotrophic nature and its seeds. The seeds are the biggest orchid seeds in the world. They are winged, which is also extraordinary for an orchid.Species
At present, there are 6 currently recognized species:
- Galeola cathcarthii Hook.f.
- Galeola faberi Rolfe
- Galeola falconeri Hook.f.
- Galeola humblotii H.G.Reichb.
- Galeola lindleyana H.G.Reichb.
- Galeola nudifolia Lour.