Angraecum penzigianum Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 357 (1925).
Description:
Stems simple, pendent, to 50 cm long and more, 4-5 mm in diameter; foliar sheaths lucid and striate veined, leaves distant, numerous, lingulate (8-10 x 1.2-1.5 cm) fleshy-coriaceous and unequally bilobed obtuse apically. Inflorescences loose longer than the leaves, 3-5 flowered, peduncle 3-3.5 cm long, covered basally by the sheaths: bracts oval-apiculate, nearly a third to a quarter the length of the pedicel; flowers white very large (divisions 23 mm). Sepals lanceolate, acuminate-obtuse, with the median vein, obviously swollen-keeled, dorsally. Petals similar, slightly shorter and thinner. Labellum concave, widely oval basally, elongated with an acumin in front and of the same length as the petals, provided basally with a median keel: spur oriface slightly enlarged, attenuate below, then filiform, to all of 5 cm long. Column 4 mm tall. Pedicel thin 4 cm long.
Habitat:
Angraecum penzigianum grows epiphytically in moss forest at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,800 meters (4,900 to 5,900 feet). It is known to come from the Andringitra Massif in south-central Madagascar, to which it is endemic. Flowers in February and March.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus, cool growing epiphyte.
Notes:
This species is very similar in habit to Angraecum dendrobiopsis, but which has smaller flowers and shorter inflorescences. Angraecum penzigianum is not a bulky plant, but it does tend to become pendent unless supported. Its shiny, waxy leaves are very handsome, and the flowers likewise carry a waxy luster. The flowers are striking with their snow white color plus a certain bird-like appearance in the way they are held on the inflorescences. The flowers are of fairly heavy substance and are very nicely scented at night, emitting faint fragrance during the day. The flowering season in northern climes is May and June. This rare and very stunning species must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Distribution:
E. & SC. Madagascar
References:
Flora of Madagascar Perrier 1939/81; 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:
Click on each image to see a larger version.
| In culture | In culture |
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| Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission. | Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission. |
