Offnerieae

Offnerieae is a tribe within the family Orchidaceae, commonly known as orchids. This tribe is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Members of Offnerieae are characterized by their terrestrial or epiphytic growth habits, meaning they can grow on the ground or on other plants. A distinctive feature of this tribe is the structure of its pollinia, which are waxy masses containing pollen. In Offnerieae, the pollinia are typically sectile, meaning they are composed of smaller, separable units. The inflorescence, or flower cluster, is often a raceme, bearing multiple flowers.

The genera included in Offnerieae vary slightly depending on the taxonomic system used, but commonly include genera such as Christianella, Govenia, and Oerstedella. These orchids exhibit a wide range of floral morphologies, adapted to pollination by specific insects, particularly bees and hummingbirds. The lip, or labellum, is often a prominent and elaborate part of the flower, playing a crucial role in attracting pollinators. The vegetative parts of Offnerieae orchids can also show diversity, with some having pseudobulbs for storage and others having more slender, cane-like stems. Research into the genetic relationships and evolutionary history of Offnerieae continues to refine our understanding of this fascinating orchid tribe.