Acianthus
(pronounced: ay-see-AN-thuss)
Classification
Diurideae subtribe Acianthinae
Overview
Diminutive terrestrials arising from small tubers. Leaves solitary, sessile, clasping, often lobed, net-veined. Inflorescences solitary, erect, pedunculate racemes. Flowers small, translucent. Sepals and petals free, spreading. Lip unlobed, variously adorned. Column arching, wingless or with the wings small; pollinia 4, in two pairs.
Etymology
From the Greek akis, meaning barb or needle, and anthos, meaning flower, from the slender, acuminate sepals and petals.
Distribution
A genus of 27 species found from New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand to New Caledonia and adjacent islands.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Acianthus in small pots or bulb pans in a terrestrial mix rich in organic matter and similar moisture-retaining ingredients. Provide low light levels and intermediate temperatures. Water steadily throughout the year.
Literature
Clements, M. A. 1983. Notes on the content of John Lindley’s orchid herbarium 1: Acianthus. Orchadian 7(10):241-242. Jones, D. L. and M. A. Clements 1987. Reinstatement of the genus Cyrtostylis R. Br. and its relationships with Acianthus R. Br. (Orchidaceae). Lindleyana 2(3):156-160. Kores, P. J. 1991. A revision of the genus Acianthus (Orchidaceae) in Papuasia. Lindleyana 6(3):162-173. Kores, P. J. 1995. A systematic study of the genus Acianthus (Orchidaceae: Diurideae). Allertonia 7(3):1-133. Schlechter, R. 1911. Die Gattung Townsonia Cheesem. Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 9:249-250. Schodde, R. 1967. Contributions to Papuasian Botany II. A new species of Acianthus (Orchidaceae) from Bougainville Island. Blumea 15(2):403-405.
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