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Angraecum florulentum Rchb.f., Gard. Chron., n.s., 23: 787 (1885).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Pseudojumellea florulenta (Rchb.f.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 21 (2013).
Description:
Stems 15-25 cm and more long, compressed (5-6 mm wide) and sinuate; foliar sheaths heavily traversely rugose. Leaves numerous, distichous, 1cm apart generally, loriform (4.5-7 x 1-1.5 cm), slightly attenuate from the middle toward both ends, unequally bilobed-obtuse apically. Inflorescence from in the sheaths 2-4 flowered; peduncle 10-15 mm long, covered basally with 2-3 very short sheaths, the longest of which is 5 mm long; bracts loose, widely oval-obtuse (6 x 5 mm at most), equal to about a third the length of the internodes of the rachis; flowers white, very large (divisions 20-24 mm long). Sepals lanceolate, much wider (6- 8 mm) in the basal fifth, attenuate-acute to the apex. Petals similar. Labellum embracing the column basally, of the same form and dimensions as the median sepal, but much more concave, attenuate-acute from the base to the apex; spur filiform, 9-10 cm long, attenuate from the oriface to the apex. Column short, thicker than tall; auricles subsquare, front angles more pronounced than the back angles; with a single very small tooth in the notch of the rostellum. Anther depressed, provided iii front with a narrow tongue with 2 lateral-acute teeth; pollina (according to Finet) semi-obovate, sessile with a single common retinacle, provided with 2 wide, lateral wings. Pedicel thin, 3-3.5 cm long. Capsule 27-30 mm long and 8-l0 mm wide, with 6 projecting, slightly verrucose edges.
Habitat:
Angraecum florulentum is endemic to the Comoro Islands, where it grows epiphytically on tree trunks and in scrub at elevations of 600 to 1,000 meters. In the wilds it grows in fairly bright light, and it can tolerate considerable dry out, although the Comoro Islands do receive heavy annual rainfall. The precise locality mentioned for Angraecum florulentum is the Combani Forest on Grande Comore Island. It flowers there in December.
Cultivation:
Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum florulentum Rchb.f.
Notes:
This is an utterly charming small-type species. An old adult will measure up to 40 cm tall, but only if properly supported, for its natural habit is for the stems and branches to become pendent. However, it would be equally delightful if its many branches were allowed to hang about the sides of the pot. The cascading sprays of flowers form in graceful groups, and the curved sepals and petals with the spurs arching downward all contribute to a unique and sparking display. Their appearance is quite delicate and dainty, with considerable curvature to both petals and sepals. The fragrance of this species is very pleasant and quite heady.
Distribution:
Comoros (Njazidja)
References:
De la Bathie, H., and H. Humbert. [1939, 1941] 1981. Flora of Madagascar 1-2. The Government of Madagascar and the National Museum of Natural History, Paris. Translated and published in 1 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. Hillerman, F. and A. Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore. Pridgeon, A. ed. 1992. The illustrated encyclopedia of orchids. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Photos/drawings:
Hillerman, F. and A. Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore. (Color photo & drawing of flower) Pridgeon, A. ed. 1992. The illustrated encyclopedia of orchids. Timber Press, Portland, OR. (Color photo); WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 24.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Images:
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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.