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Help to ID a few wild Kenyan orchids

Discussion in 'Orchid Identification Section' started by Robbie, Feb 16, 2018.

  1. Robbie

    Robbie New Member

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    Hi everyone, I've recently become a little fascinated by orchids and I'm hoping there may be someone on here who might be able to help with some ID questions!?

    I was recently in the Matthew's Range in Northern Kenya, walking through a heavily forested valley near a river and there were epiphytic orchids aplenty! We saved a few varieties from a large branch that had fallen into the river (probably been ripped down by one of the many elephants that occasionally pull down trees here!). Not sure how long they had been in the river, but don't think they'd have lasted too long had we not collected them.

    Anyway, I think I have identified one of them as Aerangis brachycarpa (though please correct me if I'm wrong!), but am struggling to ID the others. Just to make it a little harder, none are in bloom, though one does have a freshly developing spike!

    1.
    20180216_163929.jpg
    Possibly Aerangis brachycarpa? Based on the shape and black-spotted leaves (approx. 2 inch / 5cm).

    2.
    20180216_163535.jpg
    20180216_163456.jpg
    ???
    Very long (12 inch / 30cm) leaves that are rolled up and "tube-like". I initially thought that maybe this was because the plant was in bad shape, but it seems that they grow like this from the very base?

    3.
    20180216_164419.jpg
    ???
    Tiny (leaves approx. an inch / 2-3 cm), though looking at the remaining stem sticking up next to it, probably gets bigger!?

    4.
    20180216_164102.jpg
    20180216_164123.jpg
    ???
    Possibly Rangaeris sp.? New flower spike emerging. Leaves approx. 2 inches / 5cm

    And finally, 5.
    20180216_163836.jpg
    ???
    Much darker green than the others, otherwise similar in appearance to 4, but seems to have longer leaves (approx. 4 inches / 10cm).

    Hoping someone might have some suggestions!?

    Thanks in advance for any help.

    Robbie
     
    John Klinger likes this.
  2. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Welcome to the forum.

    Sorry, I can't help with the ID's.
     
  3. Robbie

    Robbie New Member

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    Thanks Kelly! :)
     
  4. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    For any certainty, you will have to see them flower.
     
  5. Robbie

    Robbie New Member

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    That would make it too easy for you guys!
    Haha, no, I know it's almost impossible to get a positive species ID when not in flower. Hopefully they will survive long enough to do so!

    But, knowing very little about African orchids, I was hoping that someone might recognise them enough to give me an idea of the genus etc, or any guesses at all to help direct what I type into Google searches! :)
     
  6. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Since you know where they came from, you have an idea of the conditions they need. I see healthy roots on some of them, so you are off to a good start.
     
  7. xmpraedicta

    xmpraedicta Prairie angraecoid nut Supporting Member

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    I agree with aerangis brachycarpa. 2 may be chaemangis vesicata. Good luck - I hope you get to see flowers some day!
     
  8. Robbie

    Robbie New Member

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    I hope so too! Thanks for your input. I tried googling "chaemangis vesicata" but there didn't seem to be any results at all!?
     
  9. xmpraedicta

    xmpraedicta Prairie angraecoid nut Supporting Member

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    J E likes this.
  10. Robbie

    Robbie New Member

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    That certainly seems like a strong contender! Looks very similar.
    And, as it turns out, it was actually your Flickr page was what helped me ID A. brachycarpa when I was doing my initial research! So you've been very helpful!
    Thanks again!
     
  11. Guido van Asten

    Guido van Asten New Member

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    1st pic is an Aerangis species
    2nd pic is Possibly ypsolipsus longifolius?
    the others I am all unsure of
     
    Marni likes this.