Renanthera J. Loureiro
in Flora Cochinchinea 2(1790),521.

INTRODUCTION: About fifteen epiphytic, rarely terrestrial species are distributed in this genus throughout South-East Asia, the Philippines, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: The name is coined from the Latin renes (kidney) and the Greek anthera (anther), for the kidney-shaped pollinia of the type species.

TYPE SPECIES: Renanthera coccinea Lour.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUS: Large, monopodial herbs with quite long climbing stems and leathery, oblong leaves. The sometimes branching inflorescence carries many medium to relatively large flowers which are predominantly red to orange coloured.

NUMBER OF SPECIES IN NEW GUINEA: only one species is found in the country

HABITAT: The Papua New Guinean species Renanthera edelfeldtii F. von Mueller et Kränzlin can be found growing from sea level to above 500 m in full sun for instance at the Rouna Falls in the Central Province. It has the characteristic small orange-red flowers on a branching inflorescence.

CONSERVATION STATUS: This species is not common and is threatened by indiscriminate collection from villagers to sell at local markets.

SPECIES LINE DRAWING: Renanthera edelfeldtii F. von Mueller
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
KEY TO ILLUSTRATION: A: plant habit, B-C: flowers, front and side view (enlarged)

View photo: Renanthera edelfeldtii F. von Mueller et Kränzlin © Peter O'Byrne

© 1999-2004 Papua New Guinea Orchid News

Visit the NEW PNG ORCHID NEWS IMAGE GALLERY