Tribe Vandeae
Subtribe Aeridinae
The genus Amesiella is endemic to the Philippines.Dr. Rudolf Schlechter proposed the generic epithet, Amesiella, in 1926, but died before it could be published. Dr. Leslie Garay found Schlechter’s unpublished name, and it was duly published in 1972. The epithet honors Professor Oakes Ames, who named many Philippine orchid species in the first half of the 1900s. The type species for this small genus is Amesiella philippinensis. Plants of the World Online (POWO) recognizes three species (May, 2023). The flowers of all three species are white in color. The flowers of the two commonly grown species, Ame. monticola and Ame. philippinensis, are large when compared with the size of the plant. Well-grown plants can produce several inflorescences, making a rather stunning presentation. The third species in the genus is Amesiella minor, known only from the type specimen described in 1999. Amesiella monticola, described in 1998, is a cool-to-warm–growing miniature species found on the edges of rainforests in the Central Luzon mountains at elevations between 5,900 and 7,200 feet (1,800–2,200 m). This species is monopodial with leathery, linear to obovate unequally bilobed leaves. It blooms in the winter and spring on up to three short inflorescences with up to five nocturnally fragrant flowers up to about 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) in diameter. Some growers find the fragrance to be reminiscent of Lily of the Valley.
[1–2] Amesiella monticola ‘Jared’s Choice’ HCC/AOS carried five 2.3-inch (5.8 cm) flowers and one bud on two inflorescences. Amesiella monticola is distinguished most easily by its very long (relative to flower size) spur. In this individual, the spur was nearly double the diameter of the flowers. Photographs by Jay Norris.
Amesiella monticola ‘Jared’s Choice’ (pictured here) was exhibited by Mario and Conni Ferrusi at the Toronto Center Monthly Judging on December 7, 2013, and received an HCC/AOS of 79 points. Five flowers and one bud were presented on two inflorescences. The sepals, petals and lip are pure white, have a heavy crystalline texture and are heavy in substance. The pale-green spur or nectary, chartreuse apically, is about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) long and curves outward at the bottom.
CULTURE
Amesiella monticola grows on the edges of rainforests in a humid, cool-to-warm environment, preferring cooler weather for blooming. The plant is best grown mounted on a stick with a bit of sphagnum moss to provide moisture and humidity during the warmer summer months. If grown in pots a medium-grade epiphyte mixture and small pots should be used. Provide bright diffuse light, about 1,500 foot-candles, and intermediate to cool–intermediate temperatures (55 F [13 C] minimum during the fall and winter).
Plants should be watered regularly throughout spring and summer and less frequently during the fall and winter. Established plants benefit from regular applications of dilute fertilizer during the growing season. The plants are somewhat temperamental and should be repotted only during active root growth.
[3] Amesiella philippinensis ‘Fishing Creek’ CCM/AOS carried 28 flowers on nine inflorescences on a plant consisting of nine mature growths and approximately 11 immature growths in a 4-inch (10 cm) basket. The plant was grown by Stephen Male of Fishing Creek Orchids and photographed by James Osen.
Further Reading
Pfahl, J. 2022. Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia (IOSPE); http://www.orchidspecies.com/amesmoticola.htm. Accessed January 6, 2025.
Plants of the World Online. 2025. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/. Accessed January 6, 2025.
https://myorchidcareandresources.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/orchid-of-the-week-amesiella-monticola/
— Judith Rapacz-Hasler is a member of the AOS editorial board. She spends half the year on Florida’s west coast and the remainder in Europe (email: jorapacz@wisc.edu).
