Ascocentrum Schltr.

Abstract

Ascocentrum is a genus of small Vandas with a dense inflorescence of brightly coloured, smallish flowers characterized by a long slender spur. The generic name given by Schlechter refers to the large spur hanging from the lip (Greek ascos, bag; kentron, spur). When DNA studies showed that Ascocentrum is not different from Vanda, the Royal Horticultural Society inserted all Ascocentrum species into the genus Vanda following the recommended practice to use the molecular basis for classifying orchids. Although I accept the rationale for using the new classification for record purposes, in this presentation, I have retained Ascocentrum as separate because it is well known and admired by orchid enthusiasts throughout the world. Ascocentrum has important horticultural implications: its hybrids are floriferous, colourful and aseasonal – they are fast growing and they have the capacity to grow into densely branching specimen plants. Orchid hobbyists searching for Vandas that are easy to cultivate usually look for Ascocentrum in ancestry of the hybrid.