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Angraecum protensum Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 358 (1925).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Perrierangraecum protensum (Schltr.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 20 (2013).
Description:
Stems rugose, upright, simple to 30 cm tall slightly compressed (6-7 mm wide), densely leafy ifl the upper half of the stem. Leaves rugose, coriaceous, distichous, linear-lingulate (8-11 cm. x 7-l0 mm), pleated at the sheath, unequally bilobed-obtuse apically. Inflorescence often single flowered, obviously longer than the leaves, peduncle generally 6 cm tall, bearing several basal sheaths; bracts small (6 mm at most) and oval, flowers white, large (divisions 3-4 cm long). Sepals and petals oblong-lanceolate, acute. Labellum oval-concave, acute or apiculate. 4 cm long and 2.3 cm wide medially or below; spur pendent, 14-15 cm long. Column 6-7 mm tall. Pedicel thin, 6-8 cm long generally.
Habitat:
In its native Madagascar, to which it is indigenous, Angraecum protensum is a rupicolous (rock-dwelhing) or semiterrestrial plant that grows at high altitudes (2,000 meters, or 6,550 feet). Its comes mainly from central Madagascar, precise locations being Mt. Analamamy, the Ambatofinandrahana area, and Ivohibe. This species blooms in February.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus, cool growing.
Notes:
This excellent species should be widely grown. Its flowers are delightful, of the purest white, and well positioned. It looks like a miniature Angraecum sororium, but in many ways it is actually almost midway between Angraecum magdalenae and Angraecum sororium. The inflorescences are sometimes 1- but usually 2-flowered, and 2 or 3 may develop from each stem. It flowers in September in northern climes. Unfortunately, this species is rarely imported, and seed germination has proven disappointing. Eventually it should be available, and then it will rate as a "must."
Distribution:
SE. Madagascar
References:
Flora Of Madagascar Perrier 1939/81; AOS Bulletin Vol 48 No 4 1979; Cultivated Angraecoid Orchids Of Madagascar Hillerman & Holst 1986; Angraecoid Orchids Stewart, Hermans, Campbell 2006; Orchids of Madagascar Hermans 2007; Field Guide to the Orchids of Madagascar Cribb & Herman 2009; WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 28.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Images:
Click on each image to see a larger version.

In culture	In culture
Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.

Habitat/ In situ	Habitat/ In situ	Habitat/ In situ	Habitat/ In situ	Habitat/ In situ	Habitat/ In situ
Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.