| Fox Brush Orchid | |
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| Aerides falcatum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Tribe: | Vandeae |
| Subtribe: | Aeridinae |
| Alliance: | Phalaenopsis |
| Genus: | Aerides Lour., 1790 |
| Species | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Aerides also known as the Cat's-tail Orchid or the Fox Brush Orchid, is a genus belonging to the Orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Vandeae, subtribe Aeridinae). It is a group of tropical epiphyte orchids that grow mainly in the warm low-lands of the tropics of Asia that are highly prized in horticulture for their racemes of showy, intensely fragrant, and colorful flowers.[1]
The naming of the genus refers to the epiphytic growth habit of the species,[2] and literally means 'air-plant'.[1] The type species, Aerides odoratum was described by João de Loureiro in 1790.[2] This genus is abbreviated Aer in horticultural trade.
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Contents
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Description
The species in this genus, range from small to large monopodial epiphytes, except for Aerides krabiensis, which is a lithophyte.[1] They form pendulous racemes with many long-lasting and fragrant, waxy flowers, in white with purple or pink edges. Some species of the Aerides genus have purple or pink colors with a rare few pocessing yellow colours. They have a forward-facing spur, growing on sharp, stout many-leaved stems from the leaf axils and thick roots.[3][4] The leaves grow distichously (in two vertical rows). The leaf margins are bilobed, while the apex is emarginate. There are ligules. Morphologically, they are very similar to species in the Vanda genus.[3]
Habitat
The genus grows in the tropics of Asia, in India, Nepal, Southern China, South-East Asia, The Philippines and New Guinea. They flower from June to July.[3] Temperature requirements vary from cool to warm growing depending on the species.
Cultivation
Most Aerides species are considered easy to grow. Their flowers are long-lived and highly perfumed— traits which make them popular in horticulture as cut flowers and potted plants.[1] Aerides kept as houseplants, are best grown in hanging baskets, teak containers or net pots, which affords the roots freedom to extend into the air. They prefer to be grown in media that is well drained such as tree fern fibers (for small plants), medium fir bark, or sphagnum moss. This growing method however usually requires full sunlight and warm temperatures where the roots must be watered frequently.[2]
The plants do not possess psuedobulbs but do possess leathery, drought resistant leaves. Almost all of the species in this genus are very large epiphytes that are found in disturbed areas in habitat and prefer very high light levels, and the plants have large root systems similar to Vandas and require similar care. Many of these species have a monopodial vine-like growth habit, and the plants can quickly become quite massive. These plants prefer consistent conditions day to day in cultivation to avoid dropping their bottom leaves.
They are best accommodated in large wooden baskets bare root, which allows for the large aerial root systems, and their care is almost identical to Vanda species, although they tend to prefer intermediate to warm conditions. Disturbing or damaging the roots of large, mature Vandaceous orchid plants, and in particularly, Vanda and Aerides species can result in the plants failing to flower and going into decline for a season or more. These plants do not tolerate disturbance or damage of their root systems in cultivation when they become mature.[5]
Species
There are 25 monopodial epiphytic species in this genus, (with the exception of Aerides krabiense, which is a lithophyte).
Hybrids
Natural: Aerides × jansonii (Aerides falcata x Aerides odorata)
Many hybrids have been made between the Aerides and other member of the "Vanda" family. The genus Christieara is a three-way hybrid involving Aerides, Ascocentrum and Vanda. Many of these hybrids come in a wide range of colours due to the high degree of genetic diversity.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e Banks, David P. (1999), Tropical Orchids: Of Southeast Asia, Tuttle Publishing, p. 8, ISBN 9789625931562, http://books.google.ca/books?id=SAd5T4S_6joC
- ^ a b c "Aerides Orchid Genus". Species Specific. Bill Hunter. http://www.species-specific.com/view-orchid-genra-information.php?id=2. Retrieved 18 June 2010.
- ^ a b c Peter, K. V. (2007), Underutilized and underexploited horticultural crops, Volume 1, New India Publishing, p. 118, ISBN 9788189422608, http://books.google.ca/books?id=-D1RR7A3HfUC
- ^ Kramer, Jack (2006), 100 Orchids for Florida, Pineapple Press Inc, p. 32, ISBN 9781561643677, http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=H4V4JnThgVkC&pg=PA32&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false
- ^ Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids ISBN 0881922676
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