Aerangis

Aerangis, abbreviated as Aergs in horticultural trade, is a genus of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae).

DistributionEdit

Approximately 50 species in this genus are known mostly from tropical Africa, but also from the Comoros Islands, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

DescriptionEdit

Species are usually epiphytic, sometimes lithophytic small orchids, resembling Vandas in appearance. Their large, waxy, star-shaped flowers are generally white, cream-colored or yellow. They show a long, nectar-filled spur, often longer than the flower itself. There is a single stem with many flowers on a long raceme. The lip is flat and resembles the petals and sepals. They give off an agreeable smell during the night. There are six to ten parallel-veined, fleshy, evergreen leaves.

These orchids are not often found in collections, even though they are rather easy to grow.

CultureEdit

Plants are best grown hanged in baskets and on mounted and usually require full sunlight and warm temperatures. If hunged the roots must be watered frequently. Plants should be grown in media that is well drained such as tree fern fibers (for small plants),several pieces of coarse fir bark, or sphagnum moss.

NamingEdit

The name of this genus has been derived from the Greek words 'aer' (air) and 'angos' (urn), referring to the form of the lip.

SynonymsEdit

1. Aerobion Spreng. 1826 in part
2. Angorkis Thou. 1809
3. Angorchis Spreng 1822
4. Barombia Schlechter 1914
5. Radinocion Ridley 1887
6. Rhaphidorhynchus Finet 1907

Species Edit

Natural Hybrids Edit

• Aerangis × chirioana
• Aerangis × primulina

ReferencesEdit

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