Aroids and other genera in the Collection
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Orchids
The Exotic Rainforest
A Species Orchid
Aerangis
biloba (Lindl.) Schltr.
Aerangis biloba (Lindl.) Schltr.
Synonyms: Aerangis campyloplectron,Angorchis biloba, Angorchis campyloplectron, Angraecum apiculatum, Angraecum bilobum, Angraecum campyloplectron , Rhaphidorhynchus bilobus
Synonyms: Aerangis campyloplectron,Angorchis biloba, Angorchis campyloplectron, Angraecum apiculatum, Angraecum bilobum, Angraecum campyloplectron , Rhaphidorhynchus bilobus
A very interesting orchid form that originates in the
West African country of Ghana, botanists Lindley and Schlechter
identified the species in 1915. Aerangis biloba is found at an
elevation of approximately 700 meters (2200 feet) above sea level.The species name, biloba, originates from the unique bi-lobed leaf tip which is most pronounced as plant becomes fully grown. Preferring warm, humid conditions, during its seasonal "wet" period the orchid is often found growing in forests or on crops like coffee and cocoa. Although small, the orchid species insists on very regular watering and if Aerangis biloba receives an adequate supply it will reward its owner with inflorescences in both the spring and summer. Spikes often contain upwards of a dozen blooms that are both long lasting and very fragrant. The 2.5cm (1-inch) flowers are fragrant only at night. Due to the species being found in Western Africa, the orchid has adapted itself to surviving through a natural dry season.
Our specimen is young and
was a gift from Hawaiian collector Windy Aubrey. Windy commented,
"I grow
mine in lower light (Anthurium lighting) and they do great, and the
leaves have a nice green color. I like it cause it looks like it
has little Platycerium fronds. Also, the blooms open backwards, opening
at the tip first, then the individual blooms open, working backward,
toward the plant until they all are open."
All photos courtesy Windy Aubrey.
All photos courtesy Windy Aubrey.
