View source for Ascocentrum

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Ascocentrum
| image = Ascocentrum-miniatum.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = Rust-red Ascocentrum (''Ascocentrum miniatum'')
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asparagales]]
| familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Epidendroideae]]
| tribus = [[Vandeae]]
| subtribus = [[Sarcanthinae]]
| alliance = Vanda
| genus = '''''Ascocentrum'''''
| genus_authority = [[Rudolf Schlechter|Schltr.]] ex J. J. Sm.|date = 1917
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = See text.
}}


'''Ascocentrum''' is a small genus belonging to the orchid family ([[Orchidaceae]]). The type species is ''Ascocentrum miniatum'' (Lindl.) Schltr. ex J. J. Sm. (originally as ''Saccolabium miniatum'' Lindl.).

They occur mainly in warmer to intermediate, humid climates of the foothills of the [[Himalayas]], in [[Myanmar]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], the [[Philippines]], [[Java (island)|Java]] and [[Borneo]].

These monopodial [[epiphyte|epiphytic]] orchids grow on deciduous trees. They have a short, simple to bifurcate stem (max. 15-18 cm) with an upright, compact, conical to racemose inflorescence, consisting of smaller brightly colored [[flower]]s. These flowers have a prominent spur and a strap-like lip. Their bright colors vary between yellow, orange, red, [[orchid (color)|orchid]] or cerise.

The [[chromosome]] number is 2n = 38.

They are popular among orchid lovers because they resemble the compact [[Vanda]]-like species. Nevertheless their cultivation is rather difficult.