Latinized form of the Malay anggrek or angurek – orchids with a growth habit like that of Vanda.
Epiphytic, epilithic or terrestrial herbs, monopodial. Stems erect or pendent, simple, lacking pseudobulbs, aerial roots abundant. Leaves in 2 ranks, strap-shaped or cylindrical, often fleshy, sheathing at base, often irregularly bilobed at tip. Inflorescences axillary racemes. Flowers usually resupinate, 1-many, small to large, often fragrant, white, green, yellow or brownish. Sepals and petals similar, free, narrow, pointed, spreading. Labellum entire or obscurely lobed, concave, base embracing column, with an often long basal spur. Column short, deeply cleft in front. Pollinia 2 on a single stipe.
About 150 species from tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar and nearby islands.
Long spur at base of labellum; column deeply cleft in front.
Source: (2005). Orchidaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.