Aerides Loureiro
in Flora Cochinchinea 2(1790),525

Introduction: The genus consists of some 20 species distributed from Ceylon, to the Himalayas, east to the Philippines and southwards through Indonesia to New Guinea.

Derivation of genus name: Established by J. Loureiro in 1790 from the greek aer (air), eides (resembling). Alluding to the epiphytic habit where the hanging plants appear to be feeding on nothing but that which the atmosphere may have to offer.

Type species: Aerides odorata Lour.

Charcteristics of the genus: Monopodial epiphytic leafy herbs. Leaves linear, leathery. Inflorescences usually a dense or lax decurved raceme. Flowers usually medium sized, scented. Sepals broad spreading; laterals adnate to the column foot. Petals broad and spreading. Labellum more or less 3-lobed, spurred at base; lateral lobes reduced or enlarged; mid-lobe larger than lateral lobes. Column short, with short or long foot; rostellum short or long, bifid; anther 2-celled, more or less beaked; pollinia 2, globose, sulcate.

View photos / drawings of species in this genus

Number of species in New Guinea: One species A. quinquevulnera

Habitat:

Conservation status: The species does not appear to be common and has been only found a few times in the Gogol valley (Madang Province) where intensive logging and replacement forestry is being conducted. In view of this it is felt that the species should be considered requiring further research and protection.