Aeranthes longipes Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 280 (1925).
Synonyms:
Aeranthes rigidula Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 283 (1925).
Description:
Plants acaulis. leaves 6-8. lorate-linear (17-23 x 1.1-1,5 cm.) slightly attenuate toward the base and apex, inflorescence to 35 cm long upright or ascending simple nr with 1-2 branches; peduncle very thick (1.5-2 mm. in diameter), generally 30 cm long. entirely covered by the pale scarious dry sheaths. longer than the internodes; cluster several flowered. developing gradually: bracts oval-acuminate. half the length of the pedicel; flowers pure green, thin and of an average size. Sepals oval, very longly acuminate, generally 2 cm long, the laterals slightly enlarged above the base on the front side. Petals oval, longly acuminate. nearly equal to the sepals. Labellum rhomboid-suborbicular truncate basally and apiculate apically (14 x 12 mm. medially). Column 4 mm. tall; spur slightly curved in front, cylindrical-obtuse 13 mm, long, abruptly and very dilate at its oriface. Pedicel 13 mm long.
Habitat:
Epiphyte: mossy forests, from l400m. alt.: It is reported that this species grows in the Andringitra Massif in south-central Madagascar. Flowering: March.
Cultivation:
Plants of this species have been potted in pure sphagnum moss, perlite, Husky Fiber, or fir bark, and have done about equally well in each. Moderate to lower light levels have been provided (1,800 to 1,500 fc. in summer, 1,000 to 700 in winter). Watering has been routine, and misting five times or more per week.
Notes:
This is another small-plant type aeranthes, almost a "mini," measuring 8-10 cm tall and 20 cm wide at most), demanding very little special attention, and adaptable to "lights" culture or "window" conditions. For green flower addicts, this is another "must".
Distribution:
EC. & E. Madagascar. Endemic.
