Aganisia is a small genus of orchids in the family Orchidaceae (subfamily Epidendroideae), comprising four accepted species native to tropical South America and Trinidad. These are dwarf, epiphytic climbing orchids that grow from a creeping rhizome, producing pseudobulbs and small flowers that generally reach about 4 cm in width. Flower color ranges from rose-tinted violet to blue-tinted violet; structurally, the flowers bear a short column foot and an elongate stipe. The genus is found in mountainous or savanna forests and alongside rivers across a wide range including Trinidad, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Peru. Aganisia are rarely encountered in cultivation.
Etymology
The genus name Aganisia derives from the Greek word agnos, meaning "gratitude," likely an allusion to the sweet scent of its flowers.
Distribution
Aganisia species occur in mountainous or savanna forests and along riverbanks in Trinidad, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Peru.
Ecology
Members of Aganisia are dwarf epiphytes that grow on trees in mountainous and savanna forest habitats and in riverside vegetation across tropical South America.
Cultivation
Aganisia are rarely cultivated and are not commonly encountered in horticulture.
