Aerangis verdickii growing in situ

[smweaver]

Those are outstanding, Owen (just don't tell anyone exactly where you found them or they'll probably disappear). The massive root system is very impressive and helps to explain how this species survives the dry season. And your photographs are excellent.

Steve

[weederwoman]

I wonder how the babies ever survive long enough to grow that massive root system. Like little cacti.

[calvin_orchidL]

simply stunning - thank you for sharing. Interesting to learn about how dry these grow in situ.

[Orchid killer]

[QUOTE=euplusia;715925]Good pics of the plant and flowers. A bit more of the surrounding environment would help me to understand conditions better. Thanks for this helpful post.[/QUOTE

There is a small stream close by from where I assume a lot of moisture / humidity would come from. The woodland is also a quite a high elevation, on a hill side where there is a light breeze coming up from the riverine below. Hope this helps. Let me know if you would like any more info.

---------- Post added at 08:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 PM ----------

Originally Posted by smweaver

Those are outstanding, Owen (just don't tell anyone exactly where you found them or they'll probably disappear). The massive root system is very impressive and helps to explain how this species survives the dry season. And your photographs are excellent.

Steve

Thanks Steve, but they are more likely disappear from woodland being chopped down to make charcoal and sold on the side of the road. Sadly vast swathes of forests and woodland in Africa is being cleared and burned by charcoal makers or fire wood which they then sell. And some of these trees are literally hundreds of years old.

[No-Pro-mwa]

They are just stunning. Love that roots structure. It's so sad, why doesn't the government do something about helping out there people and there environment? I know stupid question. But I'll bet they live high on the hog.

[Tindomul]

I also think the pics are great, and wow what an orchid. Do you know what kind of tree it was growing on?

[Orchid killer]

The tree is a common native Africa species, commonly called a msasa tree but it bio name is Brachystegia spiciformis. However, I believe some taxonomist has now said it was incorrectly classified and have renamed it.

[Tindomul]

Oh its a legume!! Thanks for the info.

[RosieC]

How cool, wonderful!