Angraecum chimanimaniense G.Will., Kew Bull. 51: 557 (1996).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Perrierangraecum chimanimaniense (G.Will.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 19 (2013).
Description:
Epiphytic or lithophytic herb; stem elongated, to c. 15 cm long, sometimes branched.Roots mainly arising near base of stem, 1.2–3 mm in diameter, verrucose.Leaves several, distichous, 7–11 cm × 4 mm, linear, obtuse at the apices, triangular in cross section to subterete, dark green, the upper surface punctate.Inflorescence single-flowered.Pedicel and ovary to 5 cm long; bracts up to 5 × 2.5 mm, lanceolate, acuminate.Flowers resupinate, c. 7 cm in diameter, fleshy, white, slightly tinged with green and straw-colour.Sepals 35–40 × 5–6 mm, narrowly lanceolate, acute; lateral sepals falcate towards the base and enclosing the base of the spur.Petals to 35 × 4 mm, narrowly lanceolate, acute, somewhat reflexed.Lip to 40 × 16 mm, narrowly ovate, long acute, concave; spur 10–14 cm long, very slender, pendent.
Habitat:
Epiphytic or lithophytic in riverine forest c. 1800 m.
Cultivation:
Not known to be in cultivation, but so attractive, hope it might at same time become available. From its habitat, it should like a shady, humid situation, and intermediate temperatures.
Distribution:
Zimbabwe (Chimanimani Mts.)
References:
A New Species of Angraecum (Orchidaceae) from South Central Africa, G. Williamson, Kew Bulletin, Vol. 51, No. 3 (1996), pp. 557-559,1996; Kimberley, M.J. (2003). A List of Epiphytic Orchids of Zimbabwe Excelsa 20 Page 49; La Croix, I. & Cribb, P.J. (1998). Orchidaceae (Part 2) Flora Zambesiaca 11(2) Pages 372 – 378; Mapaura, A. (2002). Endemic Plant Species of Zimbabwe. Kirkia 18(1) Page 128; WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 25.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
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