Ansellia gigantea nilotica or Ansellia africana
With kindly permission Countryside Orchids, Corrales,
NM 87048, U.S.A.
This plant was labelled Ansellia gigantea nilotica. Ansellia
is now considered to have only one species that is highly variable
in size and color, so this would properly be called Ansellia
africana. The species is widely distributed in Africa.
Ansellia - genus was described by Lindley in 1844 and named
in honour of John Ansell - Botanist at R. H. G. - Chiswick (New
South Wales, Australia). Ansellia gigantea was collected by Gueinzius
from Port Natal, S. Africa and described by Reichenbach in 1847
[1].
It is found in all of Africa as a varied species in size and
color. It is found epiphytically in the high canopy of taller
trees. They are commonly found in areas that suffer long periods
without water but in cultivation they are best kept moist while
growing and only a slight drop off in water and fertilizer while
not in growth. They are delicately scented and appreciate higher
light to bloom which is in late spring and summer [2].
This is a monotypic genus that is a large epiphyte, or sometimes
terrestrial plant that has tall canelike psuedobulbs with 6 to
7 plicate leaves that give rise to a 20" paniculate inflorescence
with many flowers. It needs moderate shade and a lessening of
water and fertilizer after the bulbs have matured [2].
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