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Aerangis modesta (Hook.f.) Schltr., Orchideen: 600 (1914).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Angraecum modestum Hook.f., Bot. Mag. 109: t. 6693 (1883).
Angorchis modesta (Hook.f.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 651 (1891).
Rhaphidorhynchus modestus (Hook.f.) Finet, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 54(9): 37 (1907).
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Angraecum sanderianum Rchb.f., Gard. Chron. 1888(1): 168 (1888).
Rhaphidorhynchus modestus var. sanderianus (Rchb.f.) Poiss., Rech. Fl. Merid. Madag.: 185 (1912).
Aerangis crassipes Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 15: 333 (1918).
Description:
Plants acaulis or with a short stem (not more than 15 cm); leaves 2-4, obovate-oblong (6.5-12.5 x 1.6-3 cm), gradually attenuate basally, often slightly unequaliteral, with one side more attenuate than the other, fiat and heavily coriaceous. Inflorescence pendent, to 30 cm long, often flowering nearly to its base; 6-15 flowered, distant and white: rachis and bracts brownish: rachis more or less flexous. Sepals 5 veined, lanceolate, sub obtuse or subacute, petals and labellum always similar, labellum slightly wider, more acuminate and 7 veined; spur filiform, 4-7 cm long. Column short (2-3 mm), often pubescent, dorsally ribbed; clinandrium margins entire, much wider than the stigma, rostellum acicular, wider than the column. Anther topped with a short, narrow, obtuse and connical apicule and with wide, thin lingulate appendages on its sides, straight behind with a small tooth on the margins: cauda filiform; viscidiums white, rectangular (1 x 4 mm), at least twice as wide as the globulous pollina. Pedicel 8-8.5 mm long.
Habitat:
Aerangis modesta grows in eastern, central, northern, and northwestern Madagascar at altitudes from 100 to 1,200 meters (300 to 3,900 feet). Specific mention has been made of Ankafana in south-central Madagascar, Isalo, Montagne d'Ambre in the north, and Bezofo to the east of Maromandia in the northwest.
Cultivation:
Read more of Cultivation of Aerangis modesta (Hook.f.) Schltr.
Notes:
In any of the forms described, Aerangis modesta is a "must" for byers of species and "minis," those who grow under lights, and all other hobbyists. This is one of the super-stars of miniature orchids. It stays so compact that a 10-year-old plant is no more than 6 inches tall. Everything about the plant is neat and tidy with the exception of the rampant aerial roots that develop, whether overflowing the pot if one attempts to pot it, or dangling from a mount. Its long sprays of flowers are dainty and charming, especially for such an easy grower. Aerangis modesta blooms faithfully every spring in the northern hemisphere if the growing conditions are in any way acceptable. In flower, form A is especially spectacular, often carrying 3—6 inflorescences with highly scented flowers giving a shight hint of menthol. Half a dozen plants in bloom produce a truly overpowering spicy aroma. The flowers begin to be fragrant on the second night after opening, and by the following night they are in their full glory. They last 2— 4 weeks on the plant .
Distribution:
Comoros, N. Madagascar
References:
De la Bathie, H., and H. Humbert. [1939, 1941] 1981. Flora of Madagascar. vols. I–II. The Government of Madagascar and the National Museum of Natural History, Paris. Translated and published in one vol., Steven D. Beckman, 621 Palm Ave., Lodi, CA, U.S.A. 95240. Hamilton, R. 1988. When does it flower? 2nd ed. Robert M. Hamilton, 9211 Beckwith Road, Richmond, B. C., Canada V6X 1V7. Hawkes, A. [1965] 1987. Encyclopaedia of cultivated orchids. Faber and Faber, London. Hillerman, F. and A. Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore. w3 Tropicos. 1999. Missouri Botanical Garden, 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 19.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Photos/drawings:
Hillerman, F. and A. Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore. (Color photo and drawings)
Images:
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Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.