Ansellia
(pronounced: an-SELL-ee-ah)
Classification
Cymbidieae subtribe Cyrtopodiinae
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Overview
Caespitose epiphytes or infrequently terrestrials or lithophytes. Roots dimorphic, with one type erect and stiffly bristly. Pseudobulbs cylindric, ridged, leafy at the apex. Leaves plicate, oblong. Inflorescences subterminal pedunculate racemes, the floral bracts inconspicuous. Sepals and petals free, spreading, subsimilar, subequal. Lip three-lobed, with longitudinal keels. Column slightly arching, club-shaped, with wings or a foot; pollinia 2, notched, on a short common stipe and anchor-shaped viscidium.
Etymology
Commemorating the collector, John Ansell, a British gardener.
Distribution
A monotypic genus in Tropical and South Africa.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow plants of Ansellia in pots or baskets with a medium to coarse epiphyte mixture. The plants do best when pot-bound. Provide intermediate to warm temperatures, full light, and regular watering when in growth. After the growths have matured water less frequently allowing the roots to dry out fully between waterings. Overpotting, overwatering, or a decomposed potting mixture frequently causes the loss of the root system.
Literature
Neirynck, R. 1998. Ansellia Lindley. Orchid. Cult. & Protect. 36(4):28-29. Stewart, J. 1981. The genus Ansellia. S. Afr. Orchid J. 12(1):4-9.
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