Aeranthes
Aeranthes henricii
The genus Aeranthes from the orchid family (Orchidaceae ) consists of about 50 species. The plants grow mostly epiphytic, they are mainly found in Madagascar. Occasionally, they are cultivated as ornamentals, they bring forth predominantly greenish colored flowers.
Description
The Aeranthes species have a monopodial growth, rarely branched stem axis. This is very compressed, the distances between the internodes are short. In the lower part there are long, enveloped by velamen aerial roots. The leaves sit in two rows on the shoot and are deducted from this by a separating tissue. The leaf base includes the shoot so that it is completely hidden by the leaf bases. They unfold conduplikat, the midrib is well marked. The shape of the leaves ranges from linear to oblong- oval. The blade tip is retracted, so that two distinctly unequal size, rounded lobes arise.
The resupinierten flowers appear singly or a few together in long, thin, usually drooping or slightly branched racemose inflorescences. Between the flowers of the inflorescence is often a great distance, often they bloom in succession on. Often, the petals are thin and translucent. The predominant color is green, dark green to greenish - white, some species also flower yellowish or white. The petals are not fused together, they often end up in long extended lobes. The column is extended beyond the point of attachment on the ovary out into a pillar which forms the spur. The lateral sepals set to spur above the entrance on the column, the ungelappte lip spring from the front bottom of the spur. The column bears on the bottom a bit sunken scar and at the end of the stamen. The separation between scar tissue and stamen ( rostellum ) is in three parts, with the two lateral teeth are longer than the mean Lapen. The two pollinia are connected via a pedicels each with a viscid ( Viscidium ).
Dissemination
The species of the genus Aeranthes are particularly common in Madagascar. They also occur in the Comoros, Réunion and Mauritius. Aeranthes africana and Aeranthes parkesii are known only from Zimbabwe.
Systematics and botanical history
The genus Aeranthes was erected in 1824 by John Lindley. The first two species were known to him Aeranthes grandiflora and Aeranthes arachnoiditis. He made the name Aeranthes from the Greek words " aer " for " air" and " anthos ", " flower". Occasionally the spelling Aeranthes can be seen. It belongs to the tribe Vandeae and there in the subtribe Angraecinae.
The following species are counted to the genus Aeranthes:
- Aeranthes adenopoda
- Aeranthes aemula
- Aeranthes africana
- Aeranthes albidiflora
- Aeranthes ambrensis
- Aeranthes angustidens
- Aeranthes antennophora
- Aeranthes arachnitis Aeranthes Arachnitis var balfourii
- Aeranthes henricii var isaloensis
- Aeranthes tenella var borbonica
Culture
Some species are occasionally in culture as ornamental plants. In usual conditions for epiphytic orchids are easy to keep. Most species are adapted to shady, humid locations. Because of the drooping inflorescences an increased level or culture in hanging containers is necessary.