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Vandopsis is a member of the large subfamily
of Vandoideae under the tribe Vandeae
that has been estimated to comprise of more than
1700 spesies in about 150 genera. It is divided into
3 subtribes, namely Aerangidinae,
Angraecinae, and Aeridinae. Vandopsis
gigantea belongs to the largest subtribe,
Aeridinae, with some 1000 species widespread in
mainland Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands.
The common name for Vandopsis gigantea is The
Giant Vandopsis, named mostly due to its huge
size that needs plenty of space for growth.
Vandopsis gigantea is a large, pendent,
epiphytic plant that may grow into massive clumps.
It does not have pseudobulbs. Its stems are about 1
in. thick. Its leaves can reach half a meter in
length, but usually are about 14 in. long and 2.4
in. wide. The leaves are fleshy, leathery, and are
extremely hard and stiff, a design suitable to take
strong sunlight and withstand drought. The
influorescence of Vandopsis gigantea is about
14 in. long, including the 4 in. raceme. Each raceme
carries 6-18 flowers that are about 3 in. in
diameter and can often last for several months in
perfection. The broad, fleshy sepals and petals are
pale yellow in colour with red-brown blotches that
appear as rings with lighter coloured centres. The
flowers are thick, heavy-textured, and vaguely
fragrant at times. |
