Key for Orectanthe Maguire

1	Stem elongate, lax, often decumbent or sprawling, to 1.5 m or more, leaves in long, high spiral, not forming a distinct basal rosette; outer cephalar bracts empty; scapes 2 or more, shorter than stem. Orectanthe ptaritepuiana
1'	Stem contracted, caudiciform, erect, leaves in dense basal rosette; outer cepha- lar bracts mostly with flowers, thus directly subtending lateral sepals; scapes mostly solitary, mostly longer than stem. Orectanthe sceptrum