Aeranthes is a genus of approximately 47 orchid species in the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales), found primarily in shady, humid tropical forests across Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and the islands of the Western Indian Ocean.
Plants are epiphytic with a single short, erect, monopodial stem. The leathery, glossy leaves are arranged in two alternate rows of five to seven leaves, each measuring 15–25 cm in length, with new leaves emerging from the apex in the characteristic monopodial pattern.
The genus is named for its most striking feature: flowers that appear to float in mid-air. The thread-like flower stalk grows downward to nearly 30 cm and bears one or two almost translucent, greenish-yellow flowers. The sepals and the slightly shorter petals taper dramatically into five long, narrow, tail-like extensions. Several species produce a sweet, agreeable fragrance in the evening or early morning. The genus abbreviation in the horticultural trade is Aerth.
Etymology
The name Aeranthes derives from Greek words meaning "aerial flower," a reference to the flowers' remarkable appearance of being suspended in the air on thread-like, pendant stalks. The genus was described by John Lindley in 1824.
Distribution
Aeranthes is centred on Madagascar, which holds the majority of species, with additional species in Zimbabwe and on Indian Ocean islands including the Comoros, Réunion, and the Seychelles. Plants grow as epiphytes in shady, humid tropical forests.
Taxonomy Notes
Aeranthes belongs to the tribe Vandeae within the family Orchidaceae and was established by John Lindley in 1824. GBIF lists approximately 18 accepted infraspecific and species-level taxa; the broader estimate of ~47 species reflects more recent taxonomic treatments. The genus abbreviation used in horticultural registration is Aerth.
