Ansellia africana Lindl.
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ALL PICTURES © Rik Neirynck except 1 by © Marc Herremans

 


 

Ansellia africana Lindl.

Lindley described this African monotypic species in Edwards’s Botanical Register 30: t. 12 (1844).

The epifytic growing plants can be found in nearly all sub Saharian countries.
A friend who lived in Botswana told me he saw a plant with an the oehoe Bubo lacteus's (eagle owl, size 60-65 cm) nest in an Ansellia africana plant, so this was a hugeplant.
This species needs a lot of light and watering and feeding during their growth. Once the pseudobulbs are mature watering may be reduced but the plants stil need all possible light. In nature many roots stick upwards in order to collect organic materials. So they make their own compost. This kind of roots can also been seen in culture.

 
  More info on
plantsoftheworldonline.org
http://www.riks.be/boekafrorchwild.htm
 
       
Ansellia africana Lindl. Bubo lacteus's nest in a huge Ansellia africana Lindl. Ansellia africana Lindl.
 

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Ansellia africana Lindl. Ansellia africana Lindl. Ansellia africana Lindl.
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