Aerangis
Aerangis is a genus consisting of 57 species of which all except one are endemic to Africa. One species is found in Sri-Lanka. Four species are found in South Africa. The genus is characterised by strap shaped leaves borne in two rows. Leaves unequally bilobed and often widening towards the tip. A noticeable net-like venation is apparent on the leaves, Flowers are white and star-shaped with an elongated nectar bearing spur.
- Aeranges verdickii by Lourens Grobler
Credit
Johnson, S.D., Bytebier, B., Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa.
Aerangis kirkii
Description
Slender epiphyte with wooden stem 10-50 mm long and roots 1-2 mm in diameter. Leaves 2-7, dark to greyish green, spear shaped with the apex being the widest. They are unequally bilobed and up to 150 mm long. Inflorescence one or more lateral, up to 170 mm long and carrying 2-6 flowers. Flowers are white with a pink tinged spur.
Aerangis mystacidii
- Aerangis mystacidii by Lourens Grobler
Description
Fairly robust epiphyte, with woody stems up to 30 mm long. Leaves spear-shaped, unequally bilobed and up to 150 mm long. One to several lateral inflorescences, horizontal or hanging, up to 200 mm long. Flowers white. Spur slender, up to 80mm long. Similar to A. somalensis, but has a shorter spur.
Aerangis somalensis
- Aerangis somalensis by Oskar Kurze
Description
Fairly robust epiphyte with woody stem up to 15 mm long. Two to six leaves, spear-shaped, often with wavy edges, deeply and almost equally bilobed and grey-green in colour. One to several lateral inflorescences, up to 200mm long and carrying 4-17 flowers which are white. Spur slender, up to 120mm long. Similar to A. mystacidii but has a longer spur.
Aerangis verdickii
- Aeranges verdickii by Lourens Grobler
Description
Robust epiphyte, with a woody stem up to 40 mm long. Leaves strap-shaped and often fleshy, widest at their ends and narrowing towards their base and unequally bilobed. One or more lateral inflorescences of up to 200 mm length, carrying 4-12 flowers. Flowers are white with a cream to ivory spur. Plants in Zimbabwe have been observed to shed their leaves in winter during the dry season.
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