Acriopsis

Acriopsis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Tribe:	Cymbidieae
Subtribe:	Acriopsidinae
Genus:	Acriopsis Blume
Type species
Acriopsis javanica, now classified as Acriopsis emarginata. Jones & Clements, 2006, ex Reinwardt ex Blume
Species
Acriopsis annamica Acriopsis borneensis Acriopsis carrii Acriopsis densiflora Acriopsis densiflora var. borneensis Acriopsis emarginata (previously classified as Acriopsis javanica) Acriopsis floribunda Acriopsis gracilis Acriopsis indica Acriopsis insulari-silvatica Acriopsis latifolia Acriopsis liliifolia Acriopsis nelsoniana Acriopsis papuana Acriopsis philippinensis Acriopsis purpurea Acriopsis ridleyi Acriopsis sumatrana

Acriopsis emarginata (previously Acriopsis javanica) illustrated by Lewis Roberts (naturalist)

Acriopsis, is a genus of orchids and the sole member of its subtribe, the Acriopsidinae.

The genus consists of about 12 species, and was described by Carl Ludwig Blume (1789–1862) in 1825. The name 'Acriopsis' is derived from the Greek akris, locust and -opsis, resemblance, "refers to the unusual column that resembles the shape of a locust."

This genus (sometimes referred to as the Chandelier Orchids) is found in India, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea, with only one species in Australia which lives between the Daintree River and the tip of Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland.

They grow mainly in low, humid rainforests, sometimes ascending to medium altitudes. Their roots have specialised roots which grow from them up through the air and make branches which feed on litter and other debris.

References

• Jones, David L. (2006). A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia including the Island Territories. New Holland Publishers, Frenchs Forest, N.S.W. 2086, Australia. ISBN 1-877069-12-4.