Aerangis

In today's world, Aerangis has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide spectrum of society. Its implications range from scientific and technological aspects to social, economic and political issues. Aerangis has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating substantial debate and discussion. Its impact is reflected in multiple areas of daily life, from the way we communicate to the way we carry out our daily activities. In this article, we will explore the various facets of Aerangis and its influence on our current environment.

Aerangis
Aerangis fastuosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Subtribe: Angraecinae
Genus: Aerangis
Rchb. f.[1]
Type species
Aerangis flabellifolia
Rchb. f.
Species

Around 57, see List of Aerangis species.

Synonyms[2]
  • × Barangis Anon.
  • Barombia Schltr.
  • Microterangis Senghas
  • Radinocion Ridl.
  • Rhaphidorhynchus Finet

Aerangis, abbreviated as Aergs in horticultural trade, is a genus of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). The name of this genus has been derived from the Greek words 'aer' (air) and 'angos' (urn), referring to the form of the lip. It is the type genus of the subtribe Aerangidinae, which has recently been subsumed in the subtribe Angraecinae. Approximately 50 species in this genus are known mostly from tropical Africa, but also from the Comoro Islands, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.[2]

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. Around 15 species are commonly available. Also Aerangis' descendants from intergeneric hybridization have been registered:

References

  1. ^ Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach. 1865. Flora; oder, (allgemeine) botanische Zeitung. Regensburg, Jena 48: 190
  2. ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  • Reichenbach, H.G. (1865) Flora 48: 190.
  • Pridgeon, A.M., Cribb, P., Chase, M.W. & Rasmussen, F.N. (Eds) (2014) Genera Orchidacearum Volume 6: Epidendroideae (Part 3); page 344 ff., Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-964651-7