Angraecum spectabile Summerh., Kew Bull. 13: 274 (1958).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Eichlerangraecum spectabile (Summerh.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, Biodivers. Res. Conservation 29: 13 (2013).
Description:
A little-known species with a habit similar to that of Angraecum infundibulare and with flowers resembling Angraecum eichlerianum but larger (Piers 1968). Stems to 30 cm (12 in.) long, rather flattened; roots 2.5 mm in diameter. Leaves distichous, 5-10 x 1.5-3 cm (2-4 x l in.), elliptic, unequally and obtusely bilobed at apex, twisted at the base to lie in one plane. Inflorescences one-flowered; peduncle 3 cm (l in.) long; pedicel and ovary 3.5 cm (l in.) lang. Flowers greenish-white with a white lip. Sepals 4-5 x l cm (2 x 0.5 in.), narrowly lanceolate, acuminate; petals slightly shorter and narrower. Lip 3-3.5 x 4-5 cm (l x 2 in.), funnel-shaped, obscurely trilobed at roe apex with an apicule 2-3 cm (l in.) lang. Spur 6-6.5 cm (2 in.) long, funnel- shaped at base, becoming slender.
Habitat:
Known only from the western shores of Lake Victoria, where it is said to scramble over rocks, 1150-1200 m (3800-4000 ft.).
Cultivation:
May be grown by orchid enthusiasts in East Africa, but not known to be grown in Europe or America. Obviously it would be well worth growing if it could be introduced to cultivation. Should grow well in a bark mix in a fairly large pot that contains a mass pole (of the type used for climbing indoor plants) to which the stem can be tied until it attaches itself by its roots.
Distribution:
Tanzania.
References:
WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 28.01-2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Images:
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