FZ.40. Aerangis Rchb. f.

Epiphytic herbs. Stem usually unbranched covered with remains of overlapping leaf bases. Leaves distichous, usually oblanceolate, fleshy or coriaceous, often with reticulate venation, unequally 2-lobed at apex. Inflorescence lateral, racemose, few- to many-flowered. Flowers white, sometimes tinged with green, brown or pink. Sepals and petals free. Lip entire, often similar to sepals and petals; base with a long spur. Column often narrow towards base, enlarged at level of stigma; pollinia 2; stipes 1.

Derivation of name: Aer (Gr); angis (Gr), meaning air-vessel, probably referring to the long hollow spurs.

Worldwide: c. 60 in tropical and South Africa, one extending to Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe: 6 taxa.