Herbs, epiphytic, without evident stems. Leaves many-ranked, rosulate; blade linear to triangular, base usually with chalklike bloom, margins entire, appressed-scaly. Inflorescence central, 5–many-flowered, always many-ranked, simple or compound, flowers laxly arranged; floral bracts small, inconspicuous, not obscuring rachis. Flowers bisexual in flora or functionally unisexual; sepals distinct, strongly asymmetric; petals distinct; stamens included, usually in 2 unequal sets, filaments free; ovary superior. Capsules ovoid to ellipsoid, dehiscent. Seeds with light tan to brown, apical, plumose appendage.

Distribution

Fla., West Indies, Mexico, Central America, South America.

Discussion

Species 18 (3 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Catopsis berteroniana, Catopsis floribunda, Catopsis nutans

Key

1	Inflorescence 3–10-flowered, pendent; corolla bright yellow, nocturnal	Catopsis nutans
1	Inflorescence 15–50-flowered, erect to pendulous; corolla white, diurnal.	> 2
2	Leaves yellow-green, covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder; floral bracts 6–8 mm	Catopsis berteroniana
2	Leaves bright green, not covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder; floral bracts 4–5 mm	Catopsis floribunda