Angraecum pinifolium Bosser, Adansonia, n.s., 10: 99 (1970).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Boryangraecum pinifolium (Bosser) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 12 (2013).
Description:
Small, stem less epiphytic plant 10-15 cm tall; leaves 8-11 cm long, 1.5-2 mm wide; inflorescence 6-10 cm long, two- to four-flowered; peduncle 3-5 cm long; small, fleshy, yellowish green star shaped flowers; sepals 7-7.5 x 3-3.5 mm; petals 6 x 2 mm; spur 6-6.5 mm long; column fleshy, pale green, 1 mm long.
Habitat:
It is endemic to Madagascar, it occurs in humid, evergreen forests and its distribution is thought to be restricted to the district of Moramanga. The species is only known for three specimens collected by Bosser (1964, 1972) and Rakotovao, R., in locations thought to be outside the protected area network. Currently there is no further information on this species, therefore fieldwork in this area is required to fully understand the extent and health of this species, as the area is severely threatened from deforestation, growing population and as an orchid the species could also potentially be threatened from over-collection.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus, warm growing epiphyte.
Notes:
Easily distinguished from other species of Section Boryangraecum Schltr. by its pine-needle-like leaves. Similar in habit to Angraecum teres Summerh. from Africa.
Distribution:
ENE. Madagascar
References:
Angraecoid Orchids Stewart, Hermans and Campbell 2007; 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:
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