Kingdom Plantae Family Orchidaceae Tribe Cymbidieae Scientific name Acriopsis emarginata | Order Asparagales Subfamily Epidendroideae Subtribe Cymbidiinae Rank Species | |
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Similar Acriopsis, Acriopsis liliifolia, Acianthus fornicatus, Acanthephippium mantinianum, Appendicula | ||
Acriopsis emarginata is a species of orchid endemic to Queensland.
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Name
The name "Acriopsis, which is derived from the Greek akris, locust and -opsis, resemblance, refers to the unusual column that resembles the shape of a locust"; while emarginata derives from 'emarginate' - to have a shallow notch at the apex. It is also known as the 'Pale Chandelier Orchid'.
Description
Acriopsis emarginata is an epiphytic orchid with dense, onion-shaped pseudobulbs and a mass of white aerial roots (Jones, 2006). It has 2–4 dark green leaves, up to 20 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Many flowers are born on the wiry, branched panicles. Flowers are 5 mm across, cream or pinkish, with a white, three-lobed, triangular labellum (modified petal at the front of the flower). Flowering occurs between June and November (Jones, 2006). Flowers last 2–4 days and are pollinated by native bees. It has 2–4 leaves, 150 to 200 mm long and 20 to 25 mm wide.
Cultivation
Easy to grow, but needs water all year round, high humidity, and warmth (not below 10 °C). Can be grown on a slab or in a small pot with a coarse mix.