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Angraecum equitans Schltr., Beih. Bot. Centralbl. 34(2): 339 (1916).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Humblotiangraecum equitans (Schltr.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 15 (2013).
Description:
Plants stocky and compact, 9-10 cm tall; stem thick (8-10 mm in diameter) and very densely leafy. Leaves equitant, flat, slightly curved sickle-shaped carinate dorsally and 3-4 cm long and 11-14 mm wide. Peduncle short, entirely covered by the sheaths; sheaths and bracts compressed, about 3mm wide (pleated) Sepals narrowly lanceolate attenuate from the base to the acute apex, keeled dorsally, the median slightly shorter (17 mm) than the laterals (20 mm). Petals similar to the median sepal, but thinner. Labellum concave, elliptical acuminate (17 x 9 mm medially), down turned with the spur, with a single median keel above basally, spur oriface wide, then fusiform, 8 cm long generally. Pedicel 4 cm long, 4 angled acute.
Habitat:
Angraecum equitans grows in lichen forest on the slopes of the Tsaratanana Massif, at an altitude of around 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). It grows epiphytically on the outer branches of moss- and lichen-covered trees, where it often receives almost full sun. However, the effect of such bright light is tempered by the humid conditions, and the plant experiences early morning dew and mist every month of the year. For about 3 months, during the dry season (the Madagascan winter), Angraecum equitans is chilled by nighttime temperatures often down to 10°C (50°F) or lower. The authors also found this species growing in fairly deep shade in woods near Talatakely around 30 km to the north of Antananarivo. It blooms in December in the mountains of Madagascar.
Cultivation:
Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum equitans Schltr.
Notes:
This miniature orchid plant is one of the most charming of the Angraecums. With its height of 6 inches and width of 4, it will seldom, if ever, outgrow a 3-inch pot, and it will flourish in a dimly lighted nook in the greenhouse. A well-grown plant with several branches will produce up to 15 or 20 beautiful white flowers that are quite large for the size of the plant and last for 3—4 weeks. In nature, the two rows of leaves are not always on of le plane, and consequently the plant sometimes displays a "winged" effect, and the stern may also be curved. However, both the leaves and the stem can be trained to grow in accordance with the grower's wishes. Bloom time in northern latitudes is mid-spring.
Distribution:
N. Madagascar
References:
Beih Bot. Centralbl. xxxiv. II. 339 (1916). 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. Du Puy, D., P. Cribb, J. Bosser, and J. and C. Hermans. 1999. The Orchids of Madagascar. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, England. 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. Kew Data Base. 2014. http.//apps.kew.org/wcsp/home.do Stewart, J., J. Hermans, and B. Campbell. 2006, Angraecoid Orchids. Timber Press, Portland, OR. Yearron, S. H. Nov. 17, 1999; WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 24.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
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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.