Ansellia Nilotica

Ansellia nilotica is temperature tolerant; though it blooms in intermediate conditions as well. Blooms late summer. The variable Ansellia Nilotica has an interesting taxonamical history : the orginally described 6 spicies of the genus were gradually reduced to only one. That is the reason why various synonyms are used to describe this orchid in different publications (for examble , A. africana, A. congoensis ,A.gigantea, A.humilis). The partite psedobulbs are really huge - they reach lengths of up to 24 in / 60 cm and are embellished with a tuft of 4-7 lanceolate ,leathery and very long leaves. The flower panicles grow terminally -ie., from a growth top between the leaves .The inflorescence is up to 12 in / 30 cm long and consists of 10 -15 flowers that are 1.2 in /3 in size .The three-lobe lip has a characteristically shaped triad of yellow keels; the tepals are yellowish and covered with brown spots. Cultivation is easy : the epiphytic orchid thrives when placed in a temperate environment and provided with standard watering , fertilization and ventilation. It blooms in the early spring -from March till May- and comes from extensive areas in the west ,east and south of Africa.