Hartwegia

Hartwegia is a genus of orchids found in South America. The genus was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1872. The name honors the German botanist Carl Theodor Hartweg. Species within Hartwegia are typically epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants without being parasitic. They are characterized by their small, often inconspicuous flowers, which are typically white or greenish and have a spur. The leaves are usually fleshy and strap-like.

The distribution of Hartwegia species is primarily in the Andes Mountains, ranging from Venezuela and Colombia down to Peru and Bolivia. They are often found in cloud forests at moderate to high altitudes. The genus is relatively small, with only a few recognized species, though taxonomic classifications can sometimes vary.

One notable species is Hartwegia longipes, which is known for its slender inflorescences bearing multiple small flowers. Another is Hartwegia nutans, distinguished by its pendulous flower spikes. The pollination mechanisms of Hartwegia orchids are not extensively studied, but like many small-flowered orchids, they are likely pollinated by small insects such as gnats or flies. Their specific ecological role within their habitats is still an area of ongoing botanical research.