Aerangis fastuosa | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
Genus: | Aerangis |
Species: | A. fastuosa |
Binomial name | |
Aerangis fastuosa | |
Synonyms [1] | |
|
Aerangis fastuosa, commonly known as the 'magnificent Aerangis', is a species of epiphytic orchid endemic to Madagascar. [1] [2] It is widespread across Madagascar, stretching from the eastern coastal forests across to the south and along the central plateau. Aerangis fastuosa belongs to the family Orchidaceae, subtribe Aerangidinae.
It was formally named by Rudolf Schlechter in 1914, but was first described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1881, as Angraecum fastuosum . Henri Pierre de la Bathie once attempted to have Aerangis fastuosum split into several varieties, but these were not accepted. [3] Instead, Aerangis fastuosa is thought to have a highly variable morphology, and is known for its large, white, long-lasting, star-shaped, fragrant flowers. It has a very long rostellum, which is distinctive of its genus Aerangis . It can flower every year, even under low light, and is thought to be less prone to disease than other orchids, making it a highly sought out orchid species for cultivation.
Aerangis fastuosa has been listed under CITES Appendix II.
Areangis fastuosa is a highly variable in is morphology. [3] It is a small plant, with its woody stem able to grow up to 60mm, [4] but in some instances it can appear to be almost stemless. [5] The roots are fine and numerous, [4] and may have dark spots or banding. [4] [5]
Its leaves are thick [5] and succulent, [3] and are usually oblong. [6] [7] They are usually dark green [4] but can have a grey to almost red tint, which is thought to be caused when an individual is growing in an environment with high light intensity. [5] There are usually 4–6 leaves present on one plant. [5] The top surface of the leaves can be wrinkled and rough, [4] but this is not true amongst all individuals. [6] Leaves are generally 75mm in length, [6] but can range 15 - 80mm, [6] [4] and around 20 - 40mm in width. [5] The surface of the leaf can also range from glossy to dull. [5] Some individuals have also been found to have leaves with two lobes (bilobed), and a red spot on each lobe. [6]
The pedicel is typically 20mm long [5] and can be winged. [6] The spur is thin and straight [6] [7] but can be coiled. [4] The spur is usually twice the length of the pedicel [6] but can be up to five times the length of the pedicel. [7] The spur can have a brown colour [7] to it and has also been sometimes found to have a green tip. [5] The bracts are hooded and are usually around one quarter of the length of the pedicel, although some individuals have been found that have bracts one third or even half the length of the pedicel. [6]
Flowers are relatively large [3] compared to the small stature of Aerangis fastuosa. [8] They can have between one and six flowers, [8] [6] spaced approximately 10mm apart. [9] Sometimes individual flowers may have been aborted. [6] Flowers are white in colour [7] and are usually a star-like shape or trumpet-shaped. [5] Often the flowers look slightly closed, with the petals and sepals sticking out but not spreading far. [7] The peduncle is usually thick, being around 5mm in diameter. [5]
Like all orchids, Aerangis fastuosa has an outer whorl composed of three sepals and an inner whorl composed of three petals, one of which has been modified into a lip. The dorsal sepal (upper sepal) is usually ovate (egg shaped) with the base being thicker than the tip, but width can be more equal across the length of the dorsal sepal. The dorsal sepal can range in size being 15 – 30mm x 5 – 8mm. The lateral sepals (bottom left and right sepals) can be a more lanceolate shape where the tip is much thinner than the base (spear shaped) and have a size range of around 17 – 34mm x 5 – 7mm. [4]
The petals and sepals are rather similar in size and shape. [5] At around 25mm in length, the petals are narrow and elongated, in an oblong shape. [7] [6] The lip can have a variable shape (usually ovate or lanceolate [7] [4] ) but is usually wider than the petals, [7] with the size ranging 15 – 25mm x 4.5 – 11mm. [6]
The rostellum is distinctively elongated [5] and can even reach and penetrate the spur. [6] The length of the rostellum has been measured to range between 5 – 13mm. [4] The column is short [6] and generally thick. [4] The anther can be doubly toothed at the top or can have a pointed horn which is either a thick or thin point. [6] The ovaries are typically 15 – 25mm in length. [4]
The species was first formally named by Rudolf Schlechter in 1914, [7] after being transferred from the genus Angraecum to the genus Aerangis. [4]
The name 'Aerangis' comes from the Greek 'Aer', meaning 'air', and 'angos', meaning 'urn', which is thought to refer to the shape of the nectar-producing spur at the base of the lip which is distinctive of the genus. [9] The name 'fastuosa' means 'proud' or 'haughty' in Latin [4] and is thought to refer to the small and attractive flowering habit of the species. [5]
The common name for Aerangis fastuosa is the Magnificent Aerangis. [8]
The plant is a slow growing, [5] epiphyte of twigs and small branches. [8] [3] It can be found living in coastal forests [3] and humid evergreen forests. [8] They have also been reported living in sclerophyllous forests (where the vegetation is adapted to surviving hot, dry seasons), [3] which seems unusual due to their need for a high humidity. [5] The plant can tolerate low light levels [4] but horticulturists have noted that they can also tolerate and seem to benefit from higher light levels. [5] The plant does not generally tolerate cold climates and prefers warm intermediate conditions. [10]
The flowers bloom every year in spring (September – February [8] [3] [7] in the Southern Hemisphere, or March – April in the Northern Hemisphere [10] ), and can do so for many years. [5] [10] The flowers are fragrant at night, [8] with the smell resembling tuberoses, [5] and can persist on the plant for over 3 weeks. [5]
Aerangis fastuosa belong to a group of orchids that are less prone to disease and pests than other orchids. [9] If kept at the right conditions (i.e. sufficient air movement and a humid atmosphere [8] [9] ) pests and disease can be kept at bay. If the plant finds itself to be too dry or have insufficient air movement it may be prone to red spider and fungal infections. The root tips are exposed and so may be more vulnerable to slugs and snails. [9]
At least 21 Aerangis species are endemic to Madagascar, including Aerangis fastuosa [3] [7] with the other Aerangis species distributed in tropical Africa, Ceylon and the Comoros. [6]
Aerangis fastuosa is widespread across the island and has been found between the east coastal plain and the central plateau (highlands). The provinces in which Aerangis fastuosa has been documented include Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa, Toamasina and Toliara. [3]
Aerangis fastuosa has an altitudinal range of around 900m – 1500m, [8] [3] although other sources suggest its range is wider being around 100m – 1500m. [4]
As an orchid, Aerangis fastuosa belongs in the family Orchidaceae. [11] Aerangis fastuosa is one on the approximately 330 species [9] that sit within the subtribe Aerangidinae, which is one of the three subtribes within the tribe Vandeae of the Epidendroideae subfamily. [12] Aerangis is the type genus of the subtribe Aerangidinae and there are at least 58 Aerangis species. [13] The genus Aerangis was proposed by H.G. Reichenbach in 1865 and is recognised by species having a straight, elongated rostellum and with most species having star-shaped flowers. [10]
Many Aerangis species, including Aerangis fastuosa, were incorrectly placed within the Angraecum genus. Aerangis fastuosa was moved from Angraecum in 1914 by Schlechter. [4]
Genetic studies have shown that Aerangis and Angraecum are separate genera as evidenced by the species within these genera have differing chromosome counts (Aerangis, n = 25; Angraecum, n = 19). [10] This division of genera by chromosome count is supported by the differing morphologies, with Aerangis, and other n = 25 genera, having an elongated rostellum and Angraecum, and other n = 19 genera, having a shorter rostellum and a deeply divided column. [9]
Although it is now known that Aerangidinae and the Angraecinae are separate subfamilies, historically they were considered together and so are sometimes referred to collectively as the 'angraecoids'. [9]
The morphology of Aerangis fastuosa is highly variable, but it is not necessarily difficult to identify. It is characterised by its large flowers on a small plant with rounded leaves and the signature long rostellum. [3]
Perrier de la Bathie described six varieties [6] of Aerangis fastuosa which have not been recognised: [13]
Aerangis fastuosa has three synonyms: [1]
The type specimen for Aerangis fastuosa var. grandideri was also the type specimen for Rhaphidorhynchus fastuosus. [6]
Aerangis fastuosa is a well-known, highly sought after Madagascan white-flowered orchid, [4] [9] and are available for sale. [8] It grows well in pots [5] or can be mounted. If mounted it is necessary to spray with water daily, otherwise they will often decline quickly. [4] [5] Warm intermediate conditions are preferred (15.5 – 18 °C), [10] and they are suitable for growing on windowsills. [10]
Aerangis species are known for being particularly resistant to intensive hybridisation and so many do not last in cultivation. Many are only offspring of the initial cross as further crossing is not successful, [10] although there are some exceptions (see: Aerangis Zipper and Aerangis Winter Snow).
There are 9 registered orchid hybrids which involve Aerangis fastuosa: [14]
Aerangis fastuosa is classified as CITES Appendix II. [15]
Aerangis fastuosa has been identified as being a potential natural source of Lavandulol, which can be used as an attracting agent involved in acarid pest control. [16]
Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae, a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Orchids are cosmopolitan plants that are found in almost every habitat on Earth except glaciers. The world's richest diversity of orchid genera and species is found in the tropics.
Anacamptis pyramidalis, the pyramidal orchid, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Anacamptis of the family Orchidaceae. The scientific name Anacamptis derives from Greek ανακάμτειν 'anakamptein' meaning 'bend forward', while the Latin name pyramidalis refers to the pyramidal form of the inflorescence.
Bulbophyllum is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is the largest genus in the orchid family and one of the largest genera of flowering plants with more than 2,000 species, exceeded in number only by Astragalus. These orchids are found in diverse habitats throughout most of the warmer parts of the world including Africa, southern Asia, Latin America, the West Indies, and various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Orchids in this genus have thread-like or fibrous roots that creep over the surface of trees or rocks or hang from branches. The stem is divided into a rhizome and a pseudobulb, a feature that distinguished this genus from Dendrobium. There is usually only a single leaf at the top of the pseudobulb and from one to many flowers are arranged along an unbranched flowering stem that arises from the base of the pseudobulb. Several attempts have been made to separate Bulbophyllum into smaller genera, but most have not been accepted by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.
Angraecum, also known as comet orchid, is a genus of the family Orchidaceae native to tropical and South Africa, as well as Sri Lanka. It contains 223 species.
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.
The taxonomy of the Orchidaceae (orchid family) has evolved slowly during the last 250 years, starting with Carl Linnaeus who in 1753 recognized eight genera. De Jussieu recognized the Orchidaceae as a separate family in his Genera Plantarum in 1789. Olof Swartz recognized 25 genera in 1800. Louis Claude Richard provided us in 1817 with the descriptive terminology of the orchids. (See External links below). The next step was taken in 1830-1840 by John Lindley, who recognized four subfamilies. He is generally recognized as the father of orchid taxonomy. The next important step was taken by George Bentham with a new classification, recognizing subtribes for the first time. This classification was first presented in a paper that Bentham read to the Royal Society in 1881. Then it was published in 1883 in the final volume of Genera Plantarum. The next great contributors were Pfitzer (1887), Schlechter (1926), Mansfeld (1937), Dressler and Dodson (1960), Garay (1960, 1972), Vermeulen (1966), again Dressler (1981). and Burns-Balogh and Funk (1986). Dressler's 1993 book had considerable influence on later work.
Spathoglottis, commonly known as purple orchids or 苞舌兰属 is a genus of about fifty species of orchids in the family Orchidaceae. They are evergreen terrestrial herbs with crowded pseudobulbs, a small number of leaves and medium-sized resupinate flowers on an upright flowering stem. The sepals and petals are all similar to each other and are white, yellow, pink or purple. Species of Spathoglottis are found from eastern and south-eastern Asia to Australia and some Pacific Islands.
Miltonia, abbreviated Milt. in the horticultural trade, is an orchid genus comprising twelve epiphyte species and eight natural hybrids. The miltonias are exclusively inhabitants of Brazil, except for one species whose range extends from Brazil into the northeast of Argentina and the east of Paraguay.
Angraecum sesquipedale, also known as Darwin's orchid, Christmas orchid, Star of Bethlehem orchid, and king of the angraecums, is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Angraecum endemic to Madagascar. The orchid was first discovered by the French botanist Louis-Marie Aubert du Petit-Thouars in 1798, but was not described until 1822. It is noteworthy for its long spur and its association with the naturalist Charles Darwin, who surmised that the flower was pollinated by a then undiscovered moth with a proboscis whose length was unprecedented at the time. Darwin's prediction went unverified for 21 years after his death, until just such a moth was discovered and his conjecture vindicated. The story of its postulated pollinator has come to be seen as one of the celebrated predictions of the theory of evolution.
Aphyllorchis, commonly known as pauper orchids or as 無葉蘭屬/无叶兰属 , is a genus of about twenty species of terrestrial leafless orchids in the family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus have fleshy, upright stems and small to medium-sized resupinate flowers with narrow sepals and petals. They are native to a region extending from India east to China and Japan, south to Indonesia, New Guinea and Queensland.
Dendrobium speciosum, commonly known as the rock orchid or cane orchid, is a species of highly variable Australian orchid. Its varieties can be found in a range of habitats as epiphytes or lithophytes. It has a continuous distribution along the east coast of Australia and in distinct populations along the Tropic of Capricorn. As a lithophyte, it forms gigantic spreading colonies on rocks and cliff faces, often exposed to full sun, with its roots forming dense, matted beds across the rock that anchor the plant. It can be found at altitudes from sea level to 900 metres (3,000 ft).
Trichoglottis, commonly known as cherub orchids or 毛舌兰属 , is a genus of flowering plants in the family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic plants with thick roots, relatively thick, fibrous stems and many large, thick, leathery leaves arranged in two ranks. The flowers are usually small and yellowish with light brown or purple markings. The flowers have broad sepals, narrower petals and a labellum which has three lobes and is often hairy. There are about 85 species distributed from tropical and subtropical Asia to the north-western Pacific. Most species grow in rainforest.
Xanthopan is a monotypic genus of sphinx moth, with Xanthopan morganii, commonly called Morgan's sphinx moth, as its sole species. It is a very large sphinx moth from Southern Africa and Madagascar. Little is known about its biology, though the adults have been found to visit orchids and are one of the main pollinators of several of the Madagascar endemic baobab (Adansonia) species, Adansonia perrieri or Perrier's baobab.
The Vandeae is a large monophyletic tribe within the family of orchids.
Vanda sanderiana is a species of orchid. It is commonly called Waling-waling in the Philippines and is also called Sander's Vanda, after Henry Frederick Conrad Sander, a noted orchidologist. The orchid is considered to be the "Queen of Philippine flowers" and is worshiped as a diwata by the indigenous Bagobo people.
Angraecinae is a subtribe in the family Orchidaceae. The subtribe consists of approximately 47 genera. The type genus is Angraecum. Most of the genera are endemic to Africa, Madagascar and other Indian Ocean Islands, a few genera can also be found in the Americas.
Aerangidinae is classified as a subtribe within the tribe Vandeae in the family Orchidaceae. However, it is likely to soon become a synonym of Angraecinae with the genera below re-allocated to this sub-tribe. As traditionally circumscribed, it consists of 36 genera and about 300 species. The type genus of this subtribe is Aerangis. Members of this group are epiphytic orchids having a monopodial habit and are endemic to tropical Africa and Madagascar. They are distinguished from the other subtribes in Vandeae by having an elongate rostellum, an elongate spur, and two pollinia. Most genera in the group indicate pollination by moths, however leaf beetles are reported as frequent visitors, but it is unknown whether they are vectors for pollination.
Ambrella is a monotypic genus in the orchid family. The single species, Ambrella longituba is endemic to Madagascar. The type specimen was collected and described by Joseph Marie Henry Alfred Perrier de la Bâthie in 1934.
A nectar spur is a hollow extension of a part of a flower. The spur may arise from various parts of the flower: the sepals, petals, or hypanthium, and often contain tissues that secrete nectar (nectaries). Nectar spurs are present in many clades across the angiosperms, and are often cited as an example of convergent evolution.
The pollination of orchids is a complex chapter in the biology of this family of plants that are distinguished by the complexity of their flowers and by intricate ecological interactions with their pollinator agents. It has captured the attention of numerous scientists over time, including Charles Darwin, father of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin published in 1862 the first observations of the fundamental role of insects in orchid pollination, in his book The Fertilization of Orchids. Darwin stated that the varied stratagems orchids use to attract their pollinators transcend the imagination of any human being.