Vanilla andamanica

Vanilla andamanica is a plant of the genus Vanilla ( Vanilla ) in the orchid family ( Orchidaceae). It grows as a climbing vine on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Description

Vanilla andamanica is an evergreen climber. The leathery leaves are oblong to lanceolate, with front long drawn tip. The petiole measures 1 to 1.5 inches, the blade is 14 to 19 inches long and 2.5 to 4 centimeters wide.

The racemose inflorescence is many flowered, the inflorescence axis is 2 to 3 inches long. The outer leaves are oval to oblong, obtuse or slightly acuminate, 0.4 to 0.5 inches long. Ovary and pedicel together measure 2 inches. The petals are 5 inches long. The three outer petals ( sepals ) are oblong to lanceolate and at the top of almost dull. The petals are inversely lanceolate, slightly narrowed at the base, at the apex obtuse ending. The lip is lobed only very indistinct. The lower part of the lip forms a tube, the leading edge is curled. The middle lobe is in front densely covered with long, rear-facing hairs. Along the lip run three thickened, rough veins; center is a densely populated with branched hairs site. The column is 3.5 inches long, it is provided with rounded wings.

Dissemination

Vanilla andamanica occurs on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Due to the small distribution area of the stock is considered to be sensitive to disturbance.

Systematics and botanical history

This orchid was described in 1918 by Robert Allen Rolfe by a collection of CE Parkinson.

Within the genus Vanilla Vanilla albida, is classified in the subgenus Xanata and there in the section Thethya that contains all kinds of Paläotropis. It resembles most of the Southeast Asian Vanilla albida, but has larger flowers and other appendages on the lip. Other related species are havilandii Vanilla, Vanilla montana, moonii Vanilla, Vanilla and Vanilla sanjappae yersiniana.