Jumellea is a genus of approximately 55 epiphytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales), native to Madagascar, the Comoros, the Mascarene Islands, and eastern Africa. In horticultural contexts the genus is commonly abbreviated Jum.
The genus is morphologically characterised by its adaptation to pollination by hawk moths (sphingophily), producing long-spurred, typically white or cream-coloured flowers that attract these nocturnal insects. At least one species, Jumellea stenophylla, is also capable of auto-pollination.
Phylogenetic studies have confirmed that Jumellea is monophyletic. It is the sister group to the genus Aeranthes, and together these two genera form the sister clade to the large genus Angraecum — all three belonging to the angraecoid alliance within Orchidaceae. Molecular dating places the divergence of Jumellea and Aeranthes at approximately 9.55 million years ago, and the split with Angraecum at around 9.12 million years ago, placing the origin of these lineages in the Miocene epoch.
The genus was described and named in honour of Henri Lucien Jumelle, a French botanist.
Etymology
Jumellea is named in honour of Henri Lucien Jumelle, a French botanist. In horticulture the genus is commonly abbreviated Jum.
Distribution
Jumellea species are native to Madagascar, the Comoros, the Mascarene Islands, and eastern Africa, making the western Indian Ocean region the centre of diversity for the genus.
Ecology
Jumellea flowers exhibit the typical adaptations to hawk moth (sphingophilous) pollination — including long nectary spurs and pale, fragrant, nocturnally presented blooms. Auto-pollination has also been documented in Jumellea stenophylla.
Taxonomy Notes
Jumellea is phylogenetically confirmed as monophyletic. It is the sister group to Aeranthes, and both genera together are the sister clade to Angraecum. Molecular clock analyses date the Jumellea–Aeranthes split to approximately 9.55 million years ago and the divergence from Angraecum to ~9.12 million years ago — placing the origin of these lineages in the Miocene. GBIF recognises 62 descendants under the genus.
