Eurychone
Eurychone
Eurychone is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Established in 1918 by Rudolf Schlechter, this genus encompasses two recognized species, both of which are indigenous to tropical Africa. These orchids are distinguished by their specific geographic distributions within the African continent.
Key Facts
- ›Eurychone is a genus of orchids in the family Orchidaceae.
- ›The genus was founded by Rudolf Schlechter in 1918.
- ›It comprises two known species.
- ›Both species are native to tropical Africa.
- ›Eurychone galeandrae is found from Ivory Coast to Angola.
- ›Eurychone rothschildiana ranges from Liberia to Uganda.
Tropical Africa, Ivory Coast, Angola, Liberia, Uganda
About Eurychone
Eurychone is a genus of flowering plants recognized within the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Founded in 1918 by the botanist Rudolf Schlechter, the genus is characterized by its limited number of species and distinct geographic origin.
Species and Distribution
The genus Eurychone currently comprises two known species. Both of these species are native to the tropical regions of Africa, highlighting a specific biogeographical focus for the genus. The two recognized species are:
- Eurychone galeandrae (Rchb.f.) Schltr.: This species has a distribution that spans from the Ivory Coast westward to Angola.
- Eurychone rothschildiana (O'Brien) Schltr.: This species is found in tropical Africa, ranging from Liberia in the west to Uganda in the east.
Taxonomy and Classification
The establishment of the genus Eurychone by Rudolf Schlechter in 1918 marked a formal classification for these African orchids. As part of the Orchidaceae family, Eurychone shares characteristics with a vast and diverse group of flowering plants known for their often intricate floral structures and specialized pollination mechanisms. The classification of these species reflects detailed botanical study and taxonomic consensus within the field of orchidology.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eurychone genus?
Eurychone is a genus of flowering plants within the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It was established in 1918 and currently includes two recognized species.
Where are Eurychone orchids found?
All known species of Eurychone are native to tropical Africa. They are distributed across various regions within this geographical area.
How many species are in the Eurychone genus?
The genus Eurychone currently contains two known species. These are Eurychone galeandrae and Eurychone rothschildiana.
What is the geographic distribution of Eurychone galeandrae?
Eurychone galeandrae is found in tropical Africa, with its distribution extending from the Ivory Coast westward to Angola.
What is the geographic distribution of Eurychone rothschildiana?
Eurychone rothschildiana is native to tropical Africa, occurring from Liberia in the west to Uganda in the east.
Related Orchid species

Ancistrochilus
Ancistrochilus is a small genus of orchids, recognized for its large, fragrant flowers with striking rose-pink petals and sepals and magenta lips. These sympodial epiphytic plants are native to tropical West Africa, extending to Tanzania and Uganda, where they grow on tree trunks and branches at moderate elevations.
Corymborkis
Corymborkis is a genus of terrestrial orchids found across tropical regions worldwide. These evergreen plants are known for their leafy stems, pleated leaves, and widely-opening flowers, which are typically greenish-white and arranged in crowded clusters. The genus name itself reflects the characteristic bunched arrangement of their blooms.

Aerangis
Aerangis is a genus of orchids within the Orchidaceae family, named from Greek words for "air" and "urn" due to the lip's shape. Native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, the Comoro Islands, and Sri Lanka, these orchids are distinguished by their large, waxy, star-shaped flowers, typically white, cream, or yellow, often featuring a long spur and a pleasant nocturnal fragrance.