Angraecum
Angraecum is a large family of 222 species which are largely endemic to Africa and the Mascarene Islands. There is one exception with one species found in Sri-Lanka. Madagascar has the largest contingent of species numbering a total of 138. Only six species are found in South Africa. The epiphytic genus is monopodial with some species with short stems, others with long stems. The long stemmed species tend to have branched stems. The leaves are borne in two rows are unequally bilobed at the tip. The flowering stem grows out below the leaves and may be single to multi-flowered. The flowers vary in size and may be white or cream coloured - some with a combination of both. The lip is distinctly concave with a two-lobed rostellum.
Credit
Johnson, S.D., Bytebier, B., Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa.
Angraecum chamaeanthus
Description
Miniature twig epiphyte, with stems less than 10 mm long. Leaves 3-6, strap shaped and somewhat fleshy. Inflorescences lateral, one to several, up to 20 mm long. 5-12 flowers white in colour and 1-2 mm across.
Angraecum conchiferum
- Angraecum conchiferum by Lourens Grobler
Description
Slender, hanging epiphyte, with stems up to 300mm long, branching and often tangled. Leaves 8-16 adjacent, narrowly strap shaped and unequally bilobed, 4-8 mm long. Inflorescences one to several, lateral, opposite leaves. Flower stalk 20-30 mm long, with a single flower. Flowers non-resupinate, petals, sepals and spur cream to yellowish green, lip white.
Angraecum cultriforme
- Angraecum cultriforme by Oskar Kurze
Description
Slender epiphyte, with stems up to 250mm long. Leaves in 2 rows, strap shaped, unequally bilobed with each lobe tapering to a point, dull green in colour. Inflorescences lateral, one to several, opposite leaves and carrying 1-4 flowers. Flowers are pale salmon in colour.
Angraecum pusillum
- Angraecum pusillum by Martin Rautenbach
Description
Dwarf epiphyte, with stems up to 25mm long. Leaves 5-10, leaf like, in a terminal cluster at the stem. Inflorescences lateral, several and emerging from below the leaves, up to 100mm long and carrying 4-15 flowers. Flowers are white to cream in colour.
Angraecum sacciferum
- Angraecum sacciferum by Martin Rautenbach
Description
Dwarf twig epiphyte, with stems up to 40mm long. Leaves 4-8, stiff, nearly erect, strap shaped, unevenly bilobed. Inflorescences, near lateral, one to several, emerging below the leaves and carrying one to five flowers, which are lime green in colour.
Angraecum stella-africae
Description
Slender epiphyte, with stems up to 15 cm. Leaves 5-6, spreading horizontally, greenish grey and linear. Inflorescences 1 or 2, arising from below the leaves, single large flower, which is greenish white. Spur up to 150mm long. Formerly A. sp. aff. rutenbergianum.
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