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Cynorkis fastigiata Thouars, Hist. Orchid.: t. 13 (1822).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Orchis fastigiata (Thouars) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 3: 687 (1826).
Gymnadenia fastigiata (Thouars) A.Rich., Mém. Soc. Hist. Nat. Paris 4: 23 (1828).
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Cynorkis isocynis Thouars, Hist. Orchid.: t. 13 (1822), nom. altern.
Description:
Herbs 10-30 cm tall, leave 1-2 rarely 3, narrowly lanceolate or lanceolate-linear (6-20 x 0.7-4 cm). Scape glabrous with 1-2 sheaths, inflorescence sub corymbiform several or many flowered, rachis often shorter than the pedicel, flowers long (with the pedicel) 3cm. long, purplish, very dull, glabrous. Sepals 5- 6mm. long and 3 veined. Petals narrowly oblong (5 x 1.2-1.4 mm) and obtuse. Labellum 10-15 mm long 4 lobed, lobes sub equal, spur cylindrical-narrow, 18-30 mm long, equal to or slightly shorter than the pedicel. Anther 2 mm tall, cauda 2.5 mm long, viscidiums oval and rounded, small (0.2 mm). Rostellum 2.5 mm long totally, arms 1 mm long and the median lobe ascending, obtuse and shorter than the arms. Stigmas inclusive, thick and enlarged apically, obtuse and truncate. Pedicel generally glabrous, 18-30 mm long.
Habitat:
On Madagascar, plants have been found in the areas around Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, and Toamasina where they grow at the edges of forests and in cool spots along rivers from near sea level to 4600 ft. (1400 m). On the nearby islands, plants have been reported from Anjouan and Moheli in the Comoros, from Mauritius in the Mascarenes, and from the Seychelles with no specific location given.
Phenology:
All year in the east and Sambirano, from November- March in the central region.
Notes:
This species has a number of forms, which are for the most part considered by Schlechter as species.
Cultivation:
Read more of Cultivation of Cynorkis fastigiata Thouars,
Distribution:
W. Indian Ocean
References:
Flora of Madagascar: vascular plants: 49th family, Orchids / by H. Perrier de La Bathie; published under the auspices of the government of Madagascar and under the direction of H. Humbert; English revision and translation by Steven D. Beckman; 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.
Images:
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Photograph© Nicholas Case Wightman Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Etienne Vennetier Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Etienne Vennetier Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Etienne Vennetier Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Etienne Vennetier Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Etienne Vennetier Image used with kind permission.	Photograph© Etienne Vennetier Image used with kind permission.