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

kavanaru · #1 02-20-2009, 02:25 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, 03:23 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, 03:29 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, 03:37 PM

A very interesting topic. Thanks for the info Ramon!

Ross · #5 02-20-2009, 03:47 PM

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

kavanaru · #6 02-20-2009, 03:53 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, 12:39 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.