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Cynorkis angustipetala Ridl., J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 21: 514 (1885).
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Cynorkis guttata Hermans & P.J.Cribb, Orchid Rev. 115: 248 (2007).
Description:
Herbs, 25-45 cm tall, tubers 2 elongated, leaves 1 or 2, radical, lingulate or lanceolate-linear (10-30 x 8.5-2 cm). Scape glabrous with 1-3 sheaths, inflorescence loosely several or many flowered, flowers very large (5.7 cm long, including the pedicel), glabrous or bearing several small glands exteriorly, sepals and petals green with the labellum rose or red. Sepals oval-oblong, obtuse, 10-11 mm tall and 5-6 veined. Petals longer, narrow and 3 veined. Labellum large (2.2-3 cm long), with 4 sub equal lobes, front margins crenulate spur 2.2-3 cm attenuate toward the apex. Anther 2 mm tall, apiculate or not; cauda generally 6 mm long, viscidiums small (0.2 mm) rounded or truncate; staminodes wide and short. Rostellum 5.5-5.7 mm long, arena 2.8-3 mm long, median lobe of about the same length, side, flat, sub rectangular, slightly wider apically and with the front margins 3-5 times crenate or dentate. Pedicel 2.7-4 cm long, glabrous or bearing several small glands.
Habitat:
In open humid woods, sometimes near woods, from 900-2000 m alt.; very common in the mountains between the lake Alaotra and the Massif d’Andringitra.
Phenology:
Flowering in November-April.
Notes:
This species has numerous forms, with some more distinct than others.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus, warm to cool growing terrestrial and occasional epiphytic.
Distribution:
C. & E. Madagascar
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; Orchids Of Madagascar Hermans 2007; Field Guide to the Orchids of Madagascar Cribb & Herman 2009
Images:
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Habitat/In situ	Habitat/In situ	Habitat/In situ	Habitat/In situ	Habitat/In situ
Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Gilles Grunenwald. Image used with kind permission.