Angraecum compactum Schltr., Beih. Bot. Centralbl. 34(2): 339 (1916).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Perrierangraecum compactum (Schltr.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 19 (2013).
Description:
Plants with short, thick stems (8-12 mm in diameter), sheaths large, traversely rugose, compressed, heavily carinate dorsally. Leaves 5-6, flat and slightly recurved, thick, coriaceous, pleated, slightly unequally bilobed-rounded apically, 5-10 cm long and 13-28 mm wide. Inflorescence from in the sheaths of the stem near the bane, single flowered, sometime with the rudiments of a second non-developed; peduncle very short (8- 10 mm) covered entirely by the 3 large, short sheaths, the superior of which covers the basal part of the bract; bracts very large, very obtuse, keeled-winged dorsally, tipped with a thick, obtuse apicule and wide (16 mm when flat) than tall (14 mm). Median sepal oblong (20 x 9 mm), obtuse, 5 veined, bifurcate basally; laterals similar, but sub acute and carinate dorsally. Petals of the same form, but wider (10 mm) shortly acute apically and 7 veined. Labellum (25 x 12-20 mm, flattened), hull-shaped, oblong and very concave, very rounded apically with a short apical apicule; 17 veined, 11 of which are in a median fascicle which descends into the spur and 6 in 2 lateral fascicles cursed toward the outside from the points or the limbus of the labellum united with the rostellum; spar very wide (10 mm) al its oriface, gradually attenuate and straight, then curved and cylindrical, 12-13 cm long. Column twice an wide as tall, auricles wider than tall, both angles obtuse but with the inferiors more pronounced, median tongue of the rostellum acicular, 1.5 mm long, clinandrium without posterior projections. Anther bare above, without anterior margins, excised-truncate in front with the 2 sides acute. Pedicel 6 cm long, compressed and biwinged; ovary 3 winged.
Habitat:
This popular species grows epiphytically at elevations of 700 to 2,000 meters (2,300 to 6,550 feet). It is widespread in Madagascar from the lower eastern slopes on up into the drier forests of the central plateau. It is endemic in Madagascar and flowers there between August and November.
Cultivation:
Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum compactum Schltr.,
Notes:
This is one of the most popular Angraecum species. It is well suited to culture under lights and in small greenhouses, especially since it is a nice, compact type of plant that rarely outgrows a 4-inch pot. In addition to its pure white color and pleasing form, this species gives us an additional treat in the evening hours of lovely, spicy fragrance that is slightly menthol- or citrus-flavored—perhaps spicy lime. Angraecum compactum flowers around June in the northern hemisphere.
Distribution:
Madagascar
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. Du Puy, D., P. Cribb, J. Bosser, 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. Hamilton (1988). Hillerman, F. and A. Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore.; WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 22.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Images:
Click on each image to see a larger version.
| Habitat/ In situ | In culture | In culture |
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| Photograph Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission. | Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission. | Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission. |
