Aerangis rhodosticta var. luteo-alba (taxonomy question) - Orchid Board

kavanaru · #1 02-20-2009, 03:25 PM

I was wondering if there is another variety of Aerangis rhodosticta, different than "var. luteo-alba"...

wherever you check, you only find this plants named as Aerangis rhodosticta var. Luteo-alba, but nothing else...

anybody knows?

kinknstein · #2 02-20-2009, 04:23 PM

Sure don't know myself. But I am very interested to find out. I always wonder why some species have many variations while others may not have any at all.

kavanaru · #3 02-20-2009, 04:29 PM

Hi Nick, the difference in the number of variations depends on the genetic variability of each species (and the taxonomists describing them

) what is not usual is that a species is described with a variety, if there are no other varieties known.

kinknstein · #4 02-20-2009, 04:37 PM

A very interesting topic. Thanks for the info Ramon!

Ross · #5 02-20-2009, 04:47 PM

Ramon, yes there is one without the var. and it does not have the red/orange center.

kavanaru · #6 02-20-2009, 04:53 PM

Hi Ross... somehow I knew you would be the one!!

Thanks!

do you have any link or pic of it? or know why it is "never" offered?

SOS · #7 12-28-2009, 01:39 AM

Well, I dont know who is labeling your guys plants but, you have the epithets switched up.

Aerg. luteo alba var. rhodosticta is what I always write and read in books.

As such, my boss has explained to me that the form found in Rhodesia (way back when it was a country) was the superior form so was given the name.

Joyce, who definitely has a leg on anyone in the Ang game describes "Aerg. luteoalba var. luteo alba
Flowers creamy yellow throughout including the column." (Stewart; pg 233).

She also makes note of the variable forms coming from different elevations, which would make sense due to anthocyanin levels for the red column (1250m - 2200m) and greater distribution.

OrchKid · #8 05-27-2024, 02:56 AM

I realize this thread is old as dirt, but I actually have the samer qustion.

I've been reading Steven Frowine's Miniature Orchids, which mentions Aerangis luteo-alba var. rhodosticta; an Aerangis luteo-alba, with all white flowers with a white column; and Aerangis somasticta, which is a species hybrid. Rhodosticta is obviously easy to find; Google brings up info on the somasticta; but I can't find any mention of the all-white version.

Is it not commercially available? Why is the book the only place (besides here) I've even heard about it? (Is the book wrong?)

Maybe this has something to do with the process of wild orchid "domestication"...

Inquiring minds want to know.