Angrekum

The latinized form of the Malagasy word angrek or angurek - used in relation to many orchids with a similar habit.

The first plant of this genus found by Europeans is Angraecum eburneum . It was discovered by the French naturalist Bori de Saint-Vincent on the island of Reunion and described in 1805.

According to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew ^[3] :

• Angorchis Thouars , 1809, nom. illeg.
• Aerobion Kaempf. ex spreng. , 1826
• Macroplectrum Pfitzer in HGAEngler & KAEPrantl ( eds. ), 1889
• Bonniera Cordem. , 1899
• Lepervenchea Cordem., 1899
• Pectinaria ( Benth. ) Cordem., 1899
• Ctenorchis K.Schum. , 1901
• Monixus Finet , 1907
• Dolabrifolia ( Pfitzer ) Szlach. & Romowicz , 2007

Escape of the monopodial type , do not form pseudobulbs . In some species, the shoots are branching.

The roots are well developed.

The leaves are succulent broadly linear, belt-shaped or oblong, brought together in a two-sided outlet.

Peduncles are formed in the axils of the leaves.

Flowers of most species are white, some yellow, green or ocher. The lip has a long spur in which nectar accumulates. Many types of flowers have a pleasant aroma , the most intense at night. Many species are pollinated by various species of Lepidoptera , most often hawks .

Species with fragrant flowers: Angraecum eburneum , Angraecum equitans , Angraecum erectum , Angraecum leonis , Angraecum longicalcar , Angraecum magdalenae , Angraecum scottianum , Angraecum sesquipedale ^[4] .

Tropical Africa , Madagascar , Comoros , Seychelles , Maskaren Islands , Sri Lanka .

They are found at altitudes from 0 to 2000 meters above sea level. Epiphytes , less often lithophytes .

The climate of Madagascar is formed by the southeast trade wind and the South Indian anticyclone. The island has three climatic zones: a tropical monsoon climate on the east coast, a temperate marine climate in the central highlands and an arid desert climate at the southern tip of the island. The west coast is noticeably drier than the east, as the trade wind loses moisture on the east coast and central highlands. Typical annual rainfall: 350 cm for the south coast, 140 cm for the central highlands ( Antananarivo ).

For 2010, according to a summary of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew , more than 200 species are described ^[3] . According to the database of The Plant List , the genus includes 221 species ^[5] , some of them:

• Angraecum coriaceum †
• Angraecum didieri ( Baill. Ex Finet ) Schltr.
• Angraecum keniae †
• Angraecum magdalenae Schltr. & H.Perrier - Angrekum Magdalen
• Angraecum palmiforme †
• Angraecum sesquipedale Thouars - Angrekum one and a half feet
• Angraecum sesquisectangulum †
• Angraecum viguieri Schltr.

All Angrekum species are included in CITES Appendix II. The purpose of the Convention is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not endanger their survival.

Registered by RHS ^[6]

• Angraecum Alabaster - A.eburneum × A.Veitchii - Kirsch, 1960.
• Angraecum Amazing Grace - A. florulentum × A. magdalenae - Takimoto, 1993.
• Angraecum Andromeda - A. North Star × A.compactum - Woodland, 2004.
• Angraecum Appalachian Star - A.sesquipedale × A.praestans - Breckinridge, 1992.
• Angraecum Argonaut - A.Longiscott × A.longicalcar - Hoosier, 2006.
• Angraecum Christmas Star - A. Alabaster × A.eburneum - Kirsch, 1975.
• Angraecum Clare Sainsbury - A.Lady Lisa × A.scottianum - Stewart, 1994.
• Angraecum Crestwood - A.Veitchii × A.sesquipedale - Crestwood, 1973.
• Angraecum Crystal Star - A.rutenbergianum × A.magdalenae - Pulley, 1989.
• Angraecum cuculena - A. cucullatum × A. magdalenae - Hillerman, 1989.
• Angraecum Dianne's Darling - A.sesquipedale × A. Alabaster - Yarwood, 2000.
• Angraecum Eburlena - A.eburneum × A.magdalenae - Hillerman, 1984.
• Angraecum Eburscott - A.scottianum × A.eburneum - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angraecum Giryvig - A.eburneum subsp. giryamae × A.viguieri - Hillerman, 1986.
• Angraecum Hillerman's Last - A.leonis × A.eburneum subsp. superbum - Sweeney, 1999.
• Angraecum Lady Lisa - A.scottianum × A.magdalenae - Williams, 1977.
• Angraecum Lemförde White Beauty - A.magdalenae × A.sesquipedale - Lemförder Orch., 1984.
• Angraecum Longibert - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A.humbertii - Hillerman, 1983.
• Angraecum Longilena - A.longicalcar × A.magdalenae - Hillerman, 2004.
• Angraecum Longiscott - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A.scottianum - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angraecum Malagasy - A.sesquipedale × A.sororium - Hillerman, 1983.
• Angraecum Memoria George Kennedy - A.eburneum subsp. giryamae × A.eburneum subsp. superbum - Nail, 1981.
• Angraecum Memoria Mark Aldridge - A.sesquipedale × A.eburneum subsp. superbum - Timm, 1993.
• Angraecum North Star - A.sesquipedale × A.leonis - Woodland, 2002.
• Angraecum Ol Tukai - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A.sesquipedale - Perkins, 1967.
• Angraecum Orchid Jungle - A.eburneum × A.praestans - Fennell, 1979.
• Angraecum Orchidglade - A.sesquipedale × A.eburneum subsp. giryamae , J. & s., 1964.
• Angraecum Rose Ann Carroll - A.eichlerianum × A.sesquipedale - Johnson, 1995.
• Angraecum Ruffels - A.Eburlena × A.magdalenae - Hoosier, 2006.
• Angraecum Scotticom - A.scottianum × A.eburneum subsp. superbum - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angraecum Sesquibert - A.sesquipedale × A.humbertii - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angraecum Sesquivig - A.viguieri × A.sesquipedale - Castillon, 1988.
• Angraecum Sorodale - A.sororium × A.magdalenae - RHS, 2005.
• Angraecum Star Bright - A.sesquipedale × A.didieri - H. & R., 1989.
• Angraecum Stephanie - A.Veitchii × A.magdalenae - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angraecum Supercom - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A.compactum - Hillerman, 1986.
• Angraecum Superlena - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A.magdalenae - Hillerman, 1983.
• Angraecum Supero - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A.sororium - Hillerman, 1988.
• Angraecum Supertans - A.eburneum subsp. superbum × A. equitans - Hillerman, 1981.
• Angraecum Suzanne Lecoufle - A.mauritianum × A.dryadum - Lecoufle, 2007.
• Angraecum Veitchii - A.eburneum × A.sesquipedale - Veitch, 1899.
• Angraecum Vigulena - A.magdalenae × A.viguieri - Hillerman, 1987.
• Angraecum White Diamond - A.Supertans × A.equitans - Hoosier, 2000.
• Angraecum White Emblem - A.didieri × A.magdalenae - Matsuda, 1991.
• Angraecum Willa Berryman - A.eburneum × A.Christmas Star - Boersma, 2003.

Registered by RHS ^[6]

• Angraecentrum Rumrill Prodigy - A. eichlerianum × Ascocentrum pumilum - Rumrill, 1978.
• Angraecostylis Blush - A.eichlerianum × Rhynchostylis coelestis - Wallbrunn, 1982.
• Angraeorchis Mad - A.eichlerianum × Cytorchis arcuata - Rumrill, 1974.
• Angrangis Keystone Heights - A. eichlerianum × Aerangis brachycarpa - MAJ Orchids, 1985.
• Angranthes Arachsor - Aeranthes arachnites × Angraecum sororium - Castillon, 1984.
• Angranthes Christina - Aeranthes neoperrieri × A.rutenbergianum - Hillerman, 1981.
• Angranthes Coquí - Aeranthes arachnites × Angraecum Veitchii - Patterson, 1975.
• Angranthes Cornucopia - Aeranthes arachnites × A. eichlerianum - Rumrill, 1982.
• Angranthes Etoile Filante - Aeranthes neoperrieri × A.magdalenae - Bourdon, 2001.
• Angranthes Grandalena - Aeranthes grandiflora × A.magdalenae - Hillerman, 1978.
• Angranthes Grandibert - Aeranthes grandiflora × A.humbertii - Hillerman, 1989.
• Angranthes Grandidi - Aeranthes grandiflora × A.didieri - Hillerman, 1989.
• Angranthes Grandivig - Aeranthes grandiflora × A.viguieri - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angranthes Granruten - Aeranthes grandiflora × A.rutenbergianum - Hillerman, 1989.
• Angranthes James Kelley - Aeranthes Grandiose × A.leonis - Thoms, 1995.
• Angranthes Lilicaud - Aeranthes caudata × A. liliodorum - Castillon, 1984.
• Angranthes Longilena - Aeranthes longipes × A.magdalenae - Hoosier, 1997.
• Angranthes Lomarlynn - A.magdalenae × Aeranthes ramosa - Ilgenfritz, 1975.
• Angranthes Luna - A.infundibulare × Aeranthes ramosa - Levy, 1984.
• Angranthes Primera - A.eburneum subsp. giryamae × Aeranthes ramosa - Hillerman, 1982.
• Angranthes Sesquimosa - Aeranthes ramosa × A.sesquipedale - Hillerman, 1989.
• Angranthes Walnut Valley Star - A.leonis × Aeranthes grandiflora - Rinke, 2003.
• Angreoniella Ohnishi Akira - A.eichlerianum × Oeoniella polystachys - Onishi, 1986.
• Eurygraecum Lydia - A.sesquipedale × Eurychone rothschidiana - Hillerman, 1986.
• Eurygraecum Walnut Valley - Eurygraecum Lydia ( Angraecum sesquipedale × Eurychone rothschildiana ) × A.magdalenae - R. & T., 2006.
• Neograecum Conny Röllke - Neofinetia falcata × A.scottianum - Röllke Orchzt., 1990.
• Plectrelgraecum Manerhill - Plecrelminthus caudatus × A.scottianum - Hillerman, 1984.
• Sobennigraecum Memoria Martin Orenstein - A. Veitchii × Sobennikoffia robusta - A. & R., 1985.

•  

  Angraecum sesquipedale. Botanical illustration from the book "Histoire particulière des plantes orchidées recueillies sur les trois îles australes d'Afrique". Paris 1822. Pl. 69.

•  

  Angraecum cucullatum. Botanical illustration from the book Du Petit-Thouars A. Louis Marie Aubert Orchidées des Iles Australes d'Afrique, 1822

•  

  Angraecum expansum. Botanical illustration from the book Du Petit-Thouars A. Louis Marie Aubert Orchidées des Iles Australes d'Afrique, 1822

•  

  The structure of the flower. Botanical illustration from the book Monographie des Orchidées des Iles de France et de Bourbon, 1828

Over the years, this genus has been poorly represented in botanical gardens and private collections due to difficulties in transporting plants from nature. Currently, many species are grown from seeds or by cloning , which has made them more affordable.

Angrekums are considered slow-growing plants. So Angcm. sesquipedale blooms for about 10 years of life ^[7] .

Information on the cultivation conditions of species common in collections is currently quite accessible. ^{[8] [9] [10]}

Temperature. Most angrekums belong to a moderate and warm temperature group .

Substrate. Angrekums contain in plastic and ceramic pots with several drainage holes at the bottom, providing uniform drying of the substrate or on blocks .

Epiphytic species of angrekum in natural conditions grow on tree trunks and branches. Moisture, mineral and organic substances are provided by numerous photosynthetic aerial roots, with which they are attached to the bark of trees and plant debris that accumulate in the forks of branches. Therefore, in indoor and greenhouse cultures, the roots of these plants need air circulation.

Expanded clay , stones or pieces of polystyrene are used as drainage.

The composition of the substrate is selected depending on temperature conditions and relative humidity. Angrekums during the growth period do not tolerate the complete drying of the substrate, but do not tolerate excessive moisture. The substrate for planting is prepared from a mixture of pieces of pine bark (from 1 to 3 cm), charcoal and coconut chips (pressed and cut into pieces of palm fiber) so that the resulting substrate, under existing conditions, dries out almost completely in 3-7 days. The amount of substrate components can be reduced to a single pine bark.

Top dressing with a special fertilizer for orchids (see concentration on the package) or complex mineral fertilizer (in a concentration of 3-4 times less) once every two weeks.

Watering. The frequency of watering should be chosen so that the substrate inside the pot has time to dry out almost completely, but does not have time to dry out completely.

For some species, it is important to maintain a neutral pH balance since they do not tolerate the accumulation of salts in the substrate and the velamen covering the roots. In this case, water that has been purified by reverse osmosis with the addition of specially calculated doses of fertilizers is used to water the plants.

Most cultivated species do not have a pronounced dormant period.

Relative humidity Most species found in culture can be kept at 50–70%. At lower humidity, problems with the development of young leaves and peduncles may be observed.

The light . Most species are photophilous enough, they require illumination of at least 10-15 kLk , but there are exceptions. Problems with the lack of flowering adult specimens of Angrekums when kept in apartments are most often due to a lack of light.

Since representatives of this genus grow in low latitudes , for normal development they need 12 hours of light day.

• Belitsky I.V. Orchids. Practical advice on growing, caring and protecting against pests and diseases. - M .: AST, 2001. - ISBN 5-17-004583-2 .
• Morozov V., Orchids. Tutorial indoor floriculture. Publisher: Neva, 2003 ISBN 5-7654-2237-3 .
• Hedgehog Zdenek, Orchids. Illustrated Encyclopedia. Publisher: Labyrinth, 2005 ISBN 5-9287-1134-4 .
• Kolomeytseva G.L., Gerasimov S.O. Orchids. Ed. Treasures-Books, 2005 ISBN 5-93395-098-X .
• Bechtel, H., P. Cribb, and E. Launert. 1980. Manual of cultivated orchid species. MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.
• Bosser, J. 1987. Contribution à l'étude des Orchidaceae de Madagascar et des Mascareignes. XXII. Adansonia 3: 249-254.
• Bory de Saint-Vincent. 1805. Voyage dans les quatre principales îles des mers d'Afrique, vol. 1.359. Paris
• Dupetit-Thouars. 1822. Histoire particulière des plantes orchidées recueillies sur les trois îles australes d'Afrique. Paris
• Du Puy, David. - Cribb, Phillip. - Bosser, Jean.- Hermans, Johan & Clare. The Orchids of Madagascar ISBN 1-900347-70-9 .
• H. Perrier de La Flore de Madagascar et des Comores (1946-1952). Paris
• Fred E. Hillerman 1992 - A Culture manual for angraecoid orchid growers.
• Fred E. Hillerman & Arthur W. Holst 1986 - An introduction to the cultivated angraecoid orchids of Madagascar.
• Isobyl & Eric LA Croix 1997 - African orchids in the wild and in cultivation.
• Isobyl LA Croix, Eric LA Croix & TM LA Croix 1991 - Orchids of Malawi.
• Hawkes, AD (1965) 1987. Encyclopaedia of cultivated orchids. Faber and Faber, London.
• Hillerman, FE, and AW Holst. 1986. An introduction to the cultivated Angraecoid orchids of Madagascar. Timber Press, Portland, Ore.
• Stewart & alii. 2006. Angraecoid Orchids. Portland, Oregon.

• Encyclopedia of Angrekum
• Orchid Society of America Lovers (AOS )
• Orchid Species Culture. Charles and Margaret Baker
• Tropicos - Angraecum