Acampe
Described in 1853 by Lindley in Folia Orchidaceae, this is a group of mainly terrestrial or epiphytic monopodial plants, probably with 9 species represented.
The genus is distributed in India, China, SE Asia, tropical Africa and Indian Ocean islands.
Etymology: The source of the name is Greek akampes (rigid) in reference to the small, brittle flowers.
The type species (genotype) is A. multiflora (Lindley) Lindley {= A. rigida (Buchanan-Hamilton ex J.E. Smith) P.F. Hunt}.
Similar and related genera include medium sized plants of other Vandeae genera.
Characteristics: Species in this genus are distinguished by having small, brittle flowers, entire lip adnate to edges of column, slender caudicle and very small viscidium. The column lacks a foot.
Synonyms: This genus is also known as Thalia Maravara Rheede (a pre-Linnaean name).
The full taxonomic description of this genus is
Reference material consulted in developing this page has included (but is not limited to) RHS (various dates), Index Kewensis (1998 CDrom version),
Bechtel et al. (1980), Brummitt & Powell (1992),
Dressler (1993b) and Szlachetko (1995).
A. papillosa
(Image courtesy of Greg Steenbeeke).
Intergeneric hybrid genera which include members of this genus as part of the components include X Aracampe Hort. and X Vancampe Hort..