The Orchid Lady's Illustrated Orchid Encyclopedia
Alphabetical Listing - A -

ABDOMINEA
J.J.Sm. 1914
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Trichoglottis

(None)
There is only one very rare monopodial  epiphyte species in this genus distributed from the Malay peninsula, Java, and the Philippines. Species produces very small flowers.
SPECIES
minimiflora

ABROCHIS
Neck. 1790
See Orchis

ACACALLIS
Lindl. 1853
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Maxillarieae
Subtribe:Zygopetalinae
Alliance:Zygopetalum

(Acclls.) Gr. Akakallis, a nymph
Common name: "Blue Orchid"
There is only one very rare creeping dwarf epiphytic species, Acacallis cyanea, in this genus distributed from Brazil to Colombia. Acacallis cyanea is allied to Paradisanthus.
Some authors consider this genus to be a synonym for genus Aganisia.

Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids

SPECIES
cyanea

ACAMPE
Lindl. 1858
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Trichoglottis

(Acp.) Gr. akampes,rigid; In reference to the small brittle flowers and in allusion to Rheede's 'rigid air flower'.
There are about thirteen monopodial  epiphytic species distributed from the African tropics to India, eastwards to China and southwards to Malaya, Indonesia and New Guinea. Species produce slow growing vines forming very large vegetative masses in nature. Noted for their thick, leathery leaves and producing small yellow flowers barred with brown. Due to their large size and small flowers, they are rarely cultivated.
SPECIES
dentata
longifolia
multiflora
papillosa
rigida

ACANTHEPHIPPIUM
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Epidendroideae
Subtribe:Bletinae
Alliance:Calanthe

SYNONYMS
Acanthophippium

(None) Gr. acantho,spiny or thorn; ephippion,saddle; alluding to the shape of the lip which has two parallel toothed crests resembling a saddle.
There are fifteen terrestrial species in this genus distributed from the Indian subcontinent to China and the Fiji Islands. Species produce a raceme of distinctive large cup or urn-shaped fleshy flowers which are dull yellow to pink colored and marked with stripes or spots. The blossoms are usually odoriferous.
This genus is allied to genera Phaius, Calanthe and Spathoglottis.
SPECIES
bicolor
javanicum
mantinianum
papuanum
splendidum
striatum
sylhetense
unguiculatum

ACANTHOGLOSSUM
Blume 1825
See Pholidota

ACANTHOPHIPPIUM
Blume 1825
orthographic variant
See Acanthephippium

ACERAS
R.Br. 1813
Subfamily:Orchidoideae
Tribe:Diurideae
Subtribe:Acianthinae
Alliance:Orchis


(None)
Common name: "Man Orchid" relating to the structure of the small flowers
There is only one very interesting terrestrial species in this genus distributed to much of Europe, the Mediterranean Islands and North Africa.
SPECIES
anthropophora

ACHROANTHES
Raf. 1809
Synonym Microstylis, See Malaxis

ACIANTHERA
Scheidw. 1842
See Pleurothallis

ACIANTHUS
R.Br. 1810
Subfamily:Orchidoideae
Tribe:Diurideae
Subtribe:Acianthinae

(None) Gr. akis, point; anthos, flower
Common names (Australian): "Pixie-Caps," "Gnat Orchid," "Mosquito Orchid"
There are about 24 deciduous  terrestrial species in this genus distributed in small colonies on decaying forest litter, or occasionally on partially decayed logs in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Species have subterranean tuberoids and solitary, heart-shaped leaf held horizontally above the soil surface. Species produce a raceme arising from near the center of a solitary leaf bearing pinkish or greenish flowers.
SPECIES
amplexicaulis
apprimus
bifolius
borealis
brunonis
caudatus
collinus
elegans
exsertus
fornicatus
huegelii
ledwardii
pusillus
reiformis
sublestus
viridis

ACINETA
Lindl. 1843
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Gongoreae
Subtribe:Stanhopinae

SYNONYMS
Neippergia

(Acn.) Gr. akinetos, hollow.
There are about a dozen robust epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the American tropics from Mexico to Peru. Species are occasionally found growing as terrestrials on steep embankments. Species produce a pendent inflorescence bearing many fragrant cup-shaped flowers.
This genus is allied to Peristeria, but the floral structure is more like Stanhopea. These are some of the most splendid looking of all orchids.
SPECIES
antioquiae
chrysantha
densa
superba
barkeri

ACLINIA
Griff. 1851
See Dendrobium

ACOIDIUM
Lindl. 1837
See Trichocentrum

ACOSTAEA
Schltr. 1923
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Epidendreae
Subtribe:Pleurothallidinae

(None) Named in honor of Costa Rican collector Guillermo Acosta.
There are about nine small tufted epiphytic species in this genus distributed from Central America to Andean South America. Some species are wide ranging while others are very restrictive. Species produce a raceme bearing successive blooming flowers. The lip is sensitive to touch, moving quickly upward when a pollinator lands on it trapping the pollinator for some minutes while attaching the pollinia.
SPECIES
bicornis
campylotyle
colombiana
costaricensis
glandulata
tenax
trilobata
unicornis

ACRIOPSIS
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Cymbidieae
Subtribe:Acriopsidinae

(None) Gr. acris,locust; opsis,resembling
There are about six dwarf epiphytic species in this genus distributed from southeast Asia to Australia. Species produce a simple or branching foot-long inflorescence bearing minute intricately constructed flowers resembling miniature Cymbidiums.
SPECIES
indica javanica latifolia ridleyi

ACROANTHES
Raf. 1819
Synonym Microstylis, See Malaxis

ACRONIA
C.Presl 1827
See Pleurothallis

ACROSTYLIA
Frapp. ex Cordem. 1895
See Cynorkis

ADA
Lindl. 1854
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Cymbidieae
Subtribe:Oncidiinae
Alliance:Oncidium

(Ada.) Named after Ada, the sister of Artemisia, from Caria (historical).
There are about sixteen epiphytic species in this genus distributed in Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, and Peru. Species have well-developed foliaceous leaf-sheaths. They are allied to the Odontoglossum and occasionally cultivated for their spectacularly colored flowers.
SPECIES
aurantiaca glumacea kleiliana

ADELOPETALUM
Fitzg. 1891
See Bulbophyllum

ADENELEUTEROPHORA
Barb.Rodr. 1881
See Elleanthus

ADENONCOS
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae

(None) Gr. aden,gland
There are about ten very tiny inconspicuous monopodial  epiphytic species in this genus distributed in rainforests from the Malay Peninsula to New Guinea. Species produce a one to few flowered inflorescence bearing small yellow to green colored flowers that have a unusual structure, particularly a very prominent broad concave lip.
This genus is allied to genus Luisia.
SPECIES
borneensis
celebica
elongata
papuana
triloba
uniflora
vesiculosa
virens

ADENOSTYLIS
Blume 1825
See Zeuxine

ADRORHIZON
Hook.f. 1898
Subfamily:Epidendrodeae
Tribe:Coelogyneae
Subtribe:Androrhizinae

(None)
There is only one small epiphytic species in this genus distributed in Ceylon and southern India. Species produces a two-flowered raceme of tiny purple flowers.
SPECIES
purpurascens

AERANGIS
Rchb.f. 1865
Subfamily:Epidendrodeae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Aerangidinae

SYNONYMS
Radinocion

(Aergs.) Gr. aer, air; angos, vessel. Probably refers to the foot-long spur characteristic of species in this genus.
There are about 60 monopodial  epiphyte species in the genus distributed throughout Africa, Madagascar, and the Comoro Islands. One species is found in Sri Lanka and another in Renunion. Species are vandaceous or phalaenopsoid in habit and many were originally classified under Angraecum. The fragrant white star-shaped flowers with a long spur at the base of the lip make this a highly desired collectible plant.
SPECIES
biloba
citrata
curnowiana
distincta
ellisii
fastuosa
kotschyana
luteoalba
var. rhodosticta
punctata

AERANTHES
Lindl. 1824
Subfamily:Epidendrodeae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Angraecinae
Alliance:Angraecum

(Aerth.) Gr. aer, air; anthos, flower. In allusion to the plant habitat
There are nearly 40 monopodial  epiphytic species in this genus distributed in shady, humid tropical forests of Madagascar and the adjacent islands. There are also two species found in Africa. Species are characterized by fan-shaped leaf growth producing narrow leaves up to 12 inches in length. The flowers are unusually translucent with shades of white, green, and yellow and some produce a sweet, if not very strong scent usually noticeable in the early morning or evening. They can bloom at any season.
SPECIES
grandiflora henrici ramosa

AERIDES
Lour. 1790
Subfamily:Epidendrodeae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Phalaenopsis

SYNONYMS
Aeridium
Dendrorkis
Orxera

(Aer.) Gr. aer, air; eides, resembling; alluding to the epiphytic habit of the genus apparently feeding on nothing but that which the atmosphere may have to offer.
Common name: "Fox Brush (Foxtail) Orchid," "Cat's-Tail Orchid"
There are about twenty monopodial  epiphytic species in this genus distributed from Sri Lanka and southern India north to Nepal and southern China, throughout Indochina, east to Papua New Guinea and north to the Philippines. Species in this genus are very popular with collectors because of their showy racemes of fragrant scented white, pink, purple, and sometimes yellow long lasting flowers with a forward facing spur. Most species grow as vines producing aerial roots along their stems resembling the strap-leaf species in the Vanda genus.
SPECIES
crassifolium
falcatum
fieldingi
flabellatum
houlletianum
jarckianum
krabiense
lawrenciae
multiflora
odorata
odoratum
quinquevulnera
rosea
rubescens

AERIDIUM
Salisb. 1873
See Aerides

AERIDOSTACHYA
(Hook.f.) Brieger 1981
See Eria

AEROBION
Kaempf. ex Spreng. 1826
See Angraecum

AETHERIA
Blume ex Endl. 1837
See Stenorrhynchos

AGANISIA
Lindl. 1839
Subfamily:Epidendrodeae
Tribe:Maxillarieae
Subtribe:Zygopetalinae
Alliance:Zygopetalum

SYNONYMS
Acacallis Kochiophyton

(Agn.)
Common name: "Blue orchid"
There are only a very few species of quite rare epiphytic species in this genus distributed in Brazil and Colombia. Species are creeping dwarf plants and are allied to Zygopetalum.
SPECIES
alba
boliviensis
brachypoda
brachystalix
cyanea
fimbriata
graminea
ionoptera
lepida
oliveriana
pulchella
venusta

AGROSTOPHYLLUM
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Dendrobieae
Subtribe:Glomerinae

SYNONYMS
Diploconchium

(None) Gr. phyllon,leaf; alluding to the grass-like appearance of the leaves some species in this genus.
There are about sixty to seventy epiphytic species in this genus divided into four sections; Dolichodesme, Eu-agrostophyllum, Oliganthe and Appendiculopsis. Species are distributed in tropical lowland rain forests mostly in New Guinea with other species from India, Sri Lanka to Malaysia and the Pacific islands. Species produce a peculiar tightly branched ball-like inflorescence bearing small flowers.
SPECIES
arundinaceum
bicuspidatum
bimaculata
costatum
cyathiforme
elongatum
globigerum
javanicum
majus
montanum
pomatophila
saccatum

ALAMANIA
La Llave & Lex. 1824
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Epidendreae
Subtribe:Laeliinae

(None) Named in honor of 19th century Mexican collector Lucas Alamán (1792-1853).
There is only one small epiphytic species, A. punicea, in this genus distributed only in Mexico. A. punicea produces a raceme bearing one to nine attractive red-orange flowers. Species is difficult to cultivate unless exacting environmental conditions are met.
SPECIES
punicea

ALIPSA
Hoffmanns.
See Liparis

ALISMORKIS
Thouars 1809
See Calanthe

ALLOCHILUS
Gagnep. 1932
See Goodyera

ALTENSTEINIA
Kunth 1816
Subfamily:Spiranthoideae
Tribe:Cranichideae
Subtribe:Cranichidinae
Alliance:Prescottia

(None)
There are about twenty very rare species in this genus distributed in the Andes of South America, Brazil, and Argentina. When in bloom, they produce dense racemes of very attractive intricate flowers.
SPECIES
boliviensis
citrina
fimbriata
inaequalis
mandonii
nubigena
virescens

ALVISIA
Lindl. 1859
See Eria

AMALIA
Rchb. 1841
See Laelia

AMARIDIUM
Hort. ex Lubbers 1880
See Maxillaria

AMBLOSTOMA
Scheidw. 1838
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Epidendreae
Subtribe:Laeliinae
Alliance:Epidendrum

(Amb.) Gr. amblo, blunt; stoma, mouth. Referring to the flat appearance of the flower due to the lip being firmly attached to the column.
There are about three not very impressive epiphytic species in this genus. Closely allied to Epidendrum.
SPECIES
tridactylum

AMBLYANTHE
Rauschert 1983
See Dendrobium

AMBLYGLOTTIS
Blume 1825
See Calanthe

AMERORCHIS
Hulten 1968
Subfamily:Orchidoideae
Tribe:Orchideae
Subtribe:Orchidinae
Alliance:Galearis

(None)
Common name: "Round-Leaf Orchid"
There is only one quite pretty species in this genus distributed in Greenland, Anticosti, Hudson Bay west to Alaska and south to New York, Montana, and Wisconsin. In 1968 it was moved from the genus Orchis by Eric Hulten.
Photos courtesy of Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison
SPECIES
rotundifolia

AMESIA
A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr. 1913
See Epipactis

AMESIELLA
Schltr. ex Garay 1972
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Trichoglottis

(None) Named in honor of Mr. Oakes Ames
There is only one species in this genus distributed in the Philippines. Species is a small plant but produces relatively large white unscented blooms. When not in bloom, the species is often confused with Tuberolabium. A. philippinensis was previously grouped in the African genus Angraecum because of its appearance until Garay moved it to its own genus in 1972.
Photo courtesy of Jay's Key West Orchid
SPECIES
philippinensis

AMITOSTIGMA
Schltr 1919
Subfamily:Orchidoideae
Tribe:Orchideae
Subtribe:Orchidinae
Alliance:Orchis

SYNONYMS
Mitostigma

(None)
There are about thirty dwarf terrestrial species in this genus distributed in east Asia, India, Himalaya, China, and Japan.
SPECIES
alpestre
bifoliatum
forrestii
gracile
hisamatsui
keiskei
keiskeoides
lepidum
monanthum
simplex
tominagai
yunnanense

AMPHIGLOTTIS
Salisb. 1812
See Epidendrum

AMPHORCHIS
Thouars 1822
See Cynorkis

ANACAMPTIS
Rich. 1817
Subfamily:Orchidoideae
Tribe:Orchideae
Subtribe:Orchidinae
Alliance:Orchis

(None)
There are only about twenty attractive terrestrial species in this genus distributed in Central and Southern Europe usually growing in mountain regions growing in grassy fields and meadows.
SPECIES
boryi
brancifortii
collina
condensata
durandi
israelitica
palustris
pyramidalis
syriaca
trichocera
urvilleana

ANACHEILIUM
Hoffmanns. 1842
See Epidendrum

ANAPHORA
Gagnep. 1932
See Malaxis

ANATHALLIS
Barb.Rodr. 1877
See Pleurothallis

ANCISTROCHILUS
Rolfe 1897
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Arethuseae
Subtribe:Bletiinae

(None) Gr. ankistron, hook; cheilos, lip.
There are only two species found in this genus both distributed in west Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. The flowers are large and very attractive.
Photo courtesy of Jay's Key West Orchid
SPECIES
rothschildianus thomsonianus

ANDREETTAEA
Luer 1978
See Pleurothallis

ANDROGYNE
Griff. 1851
See Panisea

ANECTOCHILUS
Blume 1858
orthographic variant
See Anoectochilus

ANGORCHIS
Thouars 1809
See Angraecum

ANGRAECUM
Bory 1804
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Vandaeae
Subtribe:Angraecinae
Alliance:Angraecum

SYNONYMS
Aerobion
Angorchis
Lepervenchea
Macroplectrum
Monixus
Pectinaria

(Angcm.) Malay angurek, Latinized form of the Malay word for epiphytic orchids.
Common name: "Comet Orchid" or "Star-of-Bethlehem"
There are over 200 monopodial  epiphytic species in this large genus distributed throughout tropical Africa, in Madagascar, the surrounding islands, and Sri Lanka. Species produce green or white flowers with spurred  lips. Many African species in this genus have been reassigned to other genera according to their growth structure.
In 1804 when the first species of Angraecum was discovered, it was the first Madagascar orchid known to science. In 1809, during the voyages of Charles Darwin (1831/1836), he gathered information for his subsequent writings on evolution and "On the Various Contrivances by which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilized by Insects" in which he predicted that an insect with a twelve-inch long proboscis would be necessary to effect the fertilization of Angraecum sesquipedale. Some forty years later, it was established that the Hawk Moth Xanthopan morganii praedicta did in fact fertilize this genus with a twelve-inch long proboscis.
SPECIES
calceolus
compactum
didieri
distichum
eburenum
eichlerianum
firthii
florulentum
germinyanum
infundibulare
leonis
magdalenae
scottianum
sesquipedale
sororium
veitchii

ANGULOA
Ruiz & Pav. 1794
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Maxillarieae
Subtribe:Lycastinae

(Ang.) Named in honor of Don Francisci de Angulo who was Director-General of mines in Peru and a student of the local flora in his day.
Common name: "Tulip Orchid," "Crib of Venus"
There are about a dozen species in this genus distributed in Peru. Species have large waxy, solitary cup-shaped blooms. These are not very common in collections, although they are being used in hybridization
SPECIES
brevilabris
cliftonii
clowesii
eburnea
hernandezii
hohenlohii
intermedia
rueckeri
sagittata
tognettiae
uniflora
virginalis

ANIA
Lindl. 1828
Subfamily:_
Tribe:_
Subtribe:_

(An.)
There are about 19 terrestrial species in the genus distributed in India, Burma, China, and southeast Asia.
There are currently continuing disagreements whether Ania should be a separate genus. In 1919, J.J. Smith combined Ania along with two others in the Tainia genus. Dressler, on the other hand, continues to recognize Ania as separate genus.
SPECIES
borneensis
angustifolia
bicornis
elata
elmeri
hennisiana
hongkongensis
hookeriana
latifolia
maculata
malayana
penangiana
ponggolensis
promensis
ruybarrettoi
viridifusca

ANISOPETALUM
Hook. 1825
See Bulbophyllum

ANISTYLIS
Raf. 1825
See Liparis

ANOCHEILE
Hoffmanns. ex Rchb. 1841
See Epidendrum

ANOECTOCHILUS
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Spiranthoideae
Tribe:Erythrodeae
Subtribe:Goodyerinae
Alliance:Anoectochilus

SYNONYMS
Anectochilus
Chrysobaphus
Odontochilus

(Anct.) Gr. aniktos,open; cheilos,lip. In reference to the open appearance of the lip achieved by a sharp bend on a segment of the flower which directs the part of the lip downwards.
Common name: "Jewel Orchid"
(Two other genera, Ludisia and Macodes, possess variegated foliage and are also called "Jewel Orchids").
There are about twenty small terrestrial species in this genus distributed in deep shade and moist surroundings from the Himalaya, through southeast Asia and China, New Calidonia, and Australia. Species are known mostly for their attractive velvet-like variegated foliage. Species produce a inflorescence bearing usually a few comparatively large flowers.
SPECIES
abbreviatus
albolineatua
brevilabris
geniculatus
roxburghii
setaceus
sikkimensis
yatesiae

ANOTA
Schltr. 1914
See Rhynchostylis

ANSELLIA
Lindl. 1844
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Cymbidieae
Subtribe:Cyrtopodiinae
Alliance:Cymbidium

(Aslla.) Named in honor of John Ansell who discovered this genus on Fernando Po in 1841.
Common name: "Tiger orchid" (Africa), "Leopard orchid" (Africa) because of the bold brown markings that spot and bar the yellow blossoms;
There is a common opinion that there is only one highly variable epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed in areas of tropical and southern Africa. The thin roots grow in a upward direction forming a thick matted clump covering the rhizome. Species A. africana may be found listed as A. confusa, A. gigantea, or A. nilotica.
It blooms in the spring and summer. Delicately fragrant during the hot afternoons.
SPECIES
africana

ANTERIORCHIS
E.Klein & Strack 1989
See Orchis

ANTHERICLIS
Raf. 1819
See Tipularia

ANTHOGYAS
Raf. 1838
See Bletia

ANTICHEIROSTYLIS
Fitzg. 1891
See Prasophyllum

AOPLA
Lindl. 1835
See Herminium

APATION
Blume 1886
See Liparis

APATOSTELIS
(Apatoselis-1979)

Garay 1980
illegitimate later homonym
See Stelis

APETALON
Wight 1852
See Didymoplexis

APHYLLORCHIS
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Cypridpeioideae
Tribe:Cranichideae
Subtribe:Spirantinae

(None) Gr, a,without; phyllon,leaf; orchis,testicle; alluding to the leafless condition of species in this genus.
There are about a dozen rare, saprophytic species in this genus distributed from Sri Lanka and northern India to Malaysia, New Guinea, and Australia. These are some of the more unusual orchid species in that they are leafless, appearing as a large tangled mass of green-colored roots which serve the duel purpose of acquiring nutrients and processing them through photosynthesis.
SPECIES
annamensis
anomala
borneensis
elata
evrardii
gollani
hasseltii
kemulensis
montana
odoardi
pallida
purpurea
torricellensis
vaginata

APISTA
Blume 1825
See Podochilus

APLECTRUM
(Nutt.) Torr. 1826
Subfamily:Vandoideae
Tribe:Maxillarieae
Subtribe:Corallorhizinae

(None)
Common name: "Adam-and-Eve Orchid"
This genus has two terrestrial species; one distributed in North America and the other in Japan. A. unguiculatum was formerly identified under the genus Cremastra. Both species inhabit moist woodland or swamps. They are Quite attractive in or out of bloom.
A. hyemale is known as the "Adam & Eve" orchid or the "Putty root" orchid.
Photos courtesy of Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison
SPECIES
hyemale unguiculatum

APORUM
Blume 1825
See Dendrobium

APOSTASIA
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Apostasioideae
Tribe:N/A
Subtribe:N/A

SYNONYMS
Mesodactylis Niemeyera

(None) Gr. apostasia,separation, divorce
There are about twelve terrestrial species in this genus distributed from the Himalayan region, Asia, India, Sri Lanka, New Guinea, and Australia. Species produce an erect inflorescence with up to six side branches bearing up to thirty yellow or white flowers.
Species of genus Apostasia and related genus Neuwiedia are considered to belong to the most primitive orchids. Infact, some authorities do not consider them to be true orchids at all, rather, they are ancestors to modern orchids. Most orchids have only one fertile stamen but Apostasia and Neuwiedia are distinguished by having three.
SPECIES
brunonis
curvata
elliptica
gracilis
latifolia
nipponica
nuda
odorata
ramifera
selebica
thorelii
wallichii

APPENDICULA
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Epidendreae
Subtribe:Podochilinae
Alliance:Ceratostylis

SYNONYMS
Chilopogon
Conchochilus
Lobogyne
Metachilum
Scoliochilus

(None) L. appendicula,little appendix; alluding to the appendiculate calluses on the lip of the flower.
There are about sixty large epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed in tropical India, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Philippines, New Caledonia, and many Pacific Islands. Species are remeniscent of ferns in appearance and produce a short inflorescence bearing tiny dull-colored flowers.
SPECIES
anceps
babiensis
buxifolia
calcarata
congesta
cristata
densifolia
floribunda
foliosa
fractiflexa
grandifolia
linearifolia
longirostrata
lucida
magnibraceteata
minutiflora
pendula
reflexa
undulata
wenzelii

ARACHNIS
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Epidendrodeae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Vanda

SYNONYMS
Arachnanthe

(Arach.) Gr. arachne,spider; alluding to the fancied resemblance of the flowers to a spider.
Common name: "Spider Orchid," "Scorpion Orchid"
There are about twenty large, often climbing monopodial  epiphytic species in this genus distributed throughout southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Species produce a highly variable inflorescence; short or long, erect or pendent, simple or branched, bearing few to many flowers. The long-lasting flowers typically have large sepals and petals, a small hinged lip, and are often barred in brown color.
Species are closely allied to genus Vanda and Renanthera.
SPECIES
beccarii
calcarata
evrardii
flos-aeris
grandisepala
hookeriana
imthurnii
longicaulis
longisepala
muelleri

ARACHNANTHE
Blume 1828
See ARACHNIS

ARACHNITES
F.W.Schmidt 1793
See Ophrys

ARETHUSA
L. 1753
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Arethuseae
Subtribe:Bletiinae

SYNONYMS
Crybe

(Aret.)
Common name: "Dragon's-Mouth"
There are only two terrestrial species in this genus. A. bulbosa is distributed in temperate North America and A. rosea in tropical Mexico south to Nicaragua. A. bulbosa has a large single bloom that forms in spring and summer and is a remarkable beauty that easily attracts attention of passers by. A. rosea produces a long inflorescence bearing three to six pretty flowers.
SPECIES
bulbosa rosea

ARGYRORCHIS
Blume 1858
See Macodes

ARIETINUM
Beck 1833
See Cypripedium

ARISANORCHIS
Hayata 1914
See Cheirostylis

ARISTOLELEA
Lour. 1790
See Spiranthes

ARNEDINA
Rchb.f. 1841
See Arundina

ARPOPHYLLUM
Lex. 1825
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Epidendreae
Subtribe:Arpophylliinae

(None) Gr. arpi,sickle, scimitar; phyllon,leaf. In reference to the shape of the leaf.
There are about five epiphytic or terrestrial species in this genus distributed in Central America.
SPECIES
alphinum
giganteum ("Bottle Brush orchid")
spicatum ("Hyacinth orchid")

ARUNDINA
Blume 1825
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Arethuseae
Subtribe:Arundinae
Alliance:Arundina

SYNONYMS
Arnedina

(None) Gr. arund,reed; alluding to the reed-like stems of A. graminifolia.
Common name: "Bamboo Orchid"
There is only one highly variable monopodial  terrestrial species, A. graminifolia, in this genus distributed in Sri Lanka, India, China, S.E. Asia, Malaysia, and many Pacific islands. A. graminifolia, a large plant with rigid terete unbranched stems, is so variable that it has been "classified" under no less than 20 species names. A. graminifolia produces a simple or branched, scapose, bracteate inflorescence bearing two or three usually large, fragrant, short lived, purple to white colored successive blooming flowers. A. graminifolia has been increasing its range through inadvertent or deliberate introduction into other habitats including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Guadeloupe.
SPECIES
graminifolia (synonyms: Arundina affinis, bambusifoli, cantleyi, celebica, chinensis, densa, densiflora, maculata, meyenii, minor, pentandra, philippi, pulchella, pulchra, revoluta, sanderiana, speciosa, stenopetala, subsessilis, tahitensis, wallichii)

ARTHROCHILIUM
Beck 1890
See Epipactis

ARTHROCHILUS
F.Muell. 1858
Subfamily:Orchidoideae
Tribe:Diurideae
Subtribe:Caladeniinae

(None) Gr. arthros,jointed; cheilos,lip; alluding to the jointed lip of the flower.
There are about ten deciduous  terrestrial and one saprophytic species in this genus distributed in both tropical and subtropical regions from Australia to New Guinea. Species produce a raceme bearing dull colored flowers which have an insect form in appearance to attract and trap pollinator male wasps.
Arthrochilus was previously united with genus Drakaea and later with genus Spiculaea.
SPECIES
byrensii
dockrillii
huntianus
irritabilis
latipes
oreophilus
prolixus
rosulatus
sabulosus
stenophyllus

ASARCA
Lindl. 1827
See Chloraea

ASCOCENTRUM
Schltr. ex J.J.Sm. 1914
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Vadeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Vanda

SYNONYMS
Ascolabium

(Asctm.) Gr. ascos,bag; kentron,spur. For the large spur which hangs from the lip.
There are about ten small to medium-sized monopodial  epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the cloud forests of northeast India, Nepal, Borneo, Taiwan and the Philippines. Species produce an erect raceme bearing very showy brightly colored yellow, orange, red, or cerise flowers that have a prominent spur and a strap-like lip. Species are generally widely cultivated.
Species were previously placed in genus Saccolabium and are related to genus Vanda.
SPECIES
ampullaceum
aurantiacum
curvifolium
garayi
miniatum

ASCOGLOSSUM
Schltr. 1913
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Vandeae
Subtribe:Sarcanthinae
Alliance:Vanda

(Ascgm.) Gr. asco,bag; glossa,tongue
There are only two very large monopodial epiphytic species in this genus distributed in Moluccas, New Guinea, the Phillipines and the Solomon Islands. Species produce a sometimes branching inflorescence bearing large numbers of small attractive intensily red to deep purple coloured flowers. Species are quite rare in cultivation but are now finally being used in hybridization.
Species are allied to Renanthera and Ascocentrum.
SPECIES
calopterum crytochilum

ASCOLABIUM
S.S.Ying 1977
See Ascocentrum

ASCOTAINIA
Ridl. 1907
See Tainia

ASPASIA
Lindl. 1832
Subfamily:Epidendroideae
Tribe:Maxillareae
Subtribe:Oncidiinae
Alliance:Oncidium

SYNONYMS
Trophianthus

(Asp.) Gr. glad, delightful; named for Aspasia, the Athenian wife of Pericles.
There are about eight to ten epiphytic species in this genus distributed in tropical forests from Guatemala to Brazil. Species foliage is characterized by elongate, flattened, bifoliate pseudobulbs. Species produce an inflorescence bearing very large showy long lived flowers. Species are easy to cultivate and are currently being used more frequently for hybridization.

Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids

SPECIES
epidendroides lunata principissa psittacina variegata

ASPEGRENIA
Poepp. & Endl. 1837
See Octomeria

ASPLA
Rchb. 1841
See Herminium

ASTROGLOSSUS
Rchb.f. ex Benth. & Hook.f. 1883
See Trichoceros

ATE
Lindl. 1835
See Habenaria

AULIZA
Small 1812
See Epidendrum

AULOSTYLIS
Schltr. 1912
See Calanthe

AUSTRALORCHIS
Brieger 1981
See Dendrobium

AVICEPS
Lindl. 1838
See Satyrium

 


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