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Sobennikoffia humbertiana H.Perrier, Notul. Syst. (Paris) 7: 134 (1938).
Description:
A rather large plant with growths up to 20 in. (50 cm) tall. Numerous roots up to 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) in diameter are produce along the stem to within about 6 in. (15 cm) of its apex. Pseudobulb/stem: 16-20 in. (40-50 cm) long by 0.4-0.6 in. (1.0-1.5 cm) in diameter.Leaves: 6-10 in. (15-25 cm) long by 0.8-1.0 in. (2.0-2.5 cm) wide. Usually 11-15 long-lasting, strap-shaped leaves are carried toward the apex of the stem. They are leathery, have bluntly pointed and unequally bilobed tips, and have margins that are slightly wavy, particularly on older plants. Inflorescence: 12-16 in. (30-40 cm) long, including the 4 in. (9-11 cm) long peduncle, by 0.1-0.2 in. (0.3-0.4 cm) in diameter. The long, arching flower spike emerges from the axil of the leaf sheaths. Flowers are carried in a raceme with a wavy rachis and are spaced about 1.2 in. (3 cm) apart at the lower end of the rachis but become closer together, about 1.0 in. (2.5 cm) apart, toward the tip. The floral bracts are very bluntly pointed, very wide, and 0.2-0.3 in. (0.6-0.7 cm) long, and each blossom is carried on a pedicel that is about 1.4 in. (3.5 cm) long and hold the flowers out at a 45 angle from the rachis. Flowers: 5-8 per inflorescence. The spreading flowers are white when young but become yellowish with age, have sepals with a strong green tint on the back, and have green in the throat of the lip. They are about 1.6 in. (4 cm) across, with sepals and petals that average 0.8 in. (2 cm) long by 0.4 in. (1 cm) wide and are very gracefully recurved in the apical 0.3 in. (0.7 cm). The 3-lobed lip is about 1 in. (2.5 cm) long by 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) wide and has a spur at its base that is about 1 in. (2.5 cm) long. The very thick column is about 0.1 in. (0.3 cm) long.
Habitat:
This orchid is found mainly in the central-southern part of the island where it grows among rocks, mostly in dry forests, at 1300-3950 ft. (400-1200 m). Plants may be found in humid evergreen forest or in dry scrubland, however. The areas where this orchid is found experience a distinct, long dry season when most of the moisture comes from early-morning dew and occasional mist.
Cultivation:
Read more of Cultivation of Sobennikoffia humbertiana H.Perrier,
Notes:
Sobennikoffia humbertiana is a spectacular plant when in full flower. Although it is flot small, neither can it be considered excessively large, and its floral display is well worth the space it takes. It is a reliable bloomer, and growing seems to offer no problems. The fragrance of the flowers is very spicy and pleasing. Flowering occurs in April and May, and the blooms last moderately well. As the flowers age, they turn an apricot color, which is maintained for 10—14 days. A well-grown plant should carry 3— 5 30- to 40-cm inflorescences, each with 9—14 flowers. The spurs are quite unique for angraecoids in that they turn up instead of down. Since the plant branches freely at the base and the branches are well-rooted, exporters frequently break up old adult plants prior to shipping, and in these “new” divisions the leaves may be much smaller. This species is definitely a “sleeper” in the hobby and will undoubtedly become very popular once it becomes readily available.
Distribution:
SC. & SW. 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. Hillerman, F. and A. Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore. Yearron, S. H. Nov. 17, 1999. Long blooming and frequent blooming orchid species. WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 15.03.2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Images:
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Habitat/In situ	Habitat/In situ	In culture
Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission.