Ansellia
The genus Ansellia has only one species endemic to Africa. The species has erect cane like stems up to 1m tall with roots forming a basket around the base of the plant. May of the roots face upwards and these catch leaves an other falling debris that then serves as fertiliser as it decomposes. The leaves are alternate at the top half of the stem. After a few growing seasons these turn brown with age and fall off the stem. Flowers are large and numerous on branched flowering stems that predominantly grow from the tip of the cane. Occasionally on very vigorous plants inflorescences emerge from the side nodes on the stem.
- Ansellia africana 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.
Ansellia africana
Description
Robust epiphyte, which can grow to over 1 m tall. Also known as the leopard orchid and is the official emblem of the Witwatersrand Orchid Society (WOS). Single species genus. Pseudobulbs cylindrical with nodes and up to 700 mm tall, with 4 - 10 leaves on each one at the top half of the pseudobulb. Flowers are 25 - 50 mm across. Colour varies from pure yellow to yellow marked with dark chocolate spots to almost completely brown with very little yellow. Lip varies from yellow to blotched with darker markings through to almost red in colour. The lip is three lobed with two to three callus ridges along the mid lobe. Inflorescence usually at the top of the pseudobulb, but also laterally below the leaves. No scent detectable. This is a single species genus.
Syn: Ansellia africana var. australis, Ansellia gigantea var. gigantia, Ansellia gigantea var. nilotica.
For more information regarding the preservation of South Africa's wild Orchids or if you would like to get involved please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or complete this short form Contact Us and we will contact you.
