Angraecum cornucopiae

Names and Taxonomy

The accepted scientific name is Angraecum cornucopiae H.Perrier. It was first published in Mémoires de l’Institut Scientifique de Madagascar, Série B, Biologie Végétale 6: 265 (1955)【2】. Kew’s Plants of the World Online lists the name as accepted and records its native range as north‑eastern Madagascar【1】. A later homotypic synonym is Gomphocentrum cornucopiae (H.Perrier) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka (2013)【1】.

How to Identify This Species

Field reports describe the plant as an epiphytic subshrub reaching about 30 cm in height【3】. Leaves are arranged along a short, erect stem; roots are aerial and attach to bark. The inflorescence bears one or a few flowers that are white to greenish‑white and emit a noticeable fragrance, especially at night【3】. Detailed measurements of flower parts (lip size, spur length) are not documented in the available sources.

Native Range and Habitat

Angraecum cornucopiae is endemic to the north‑eastern part of Madagascar, occurring in wet tropical forest biome. It grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and large branches, favouring humid, shaded conditions typical of low‑to‑mid elevation rainforest. Specific elevation limits have not been published.

Species‑Specific Care

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Because the species is native to a consistently humid rainforest, maintaining steady moisture and airflow is crucial. Mounting the plant allows its aerial roots to dry briefly between waterings, reducing rot risk. Regular feeding during the growth period encourages robust foliage and flower production.

Flowering and Pollination

Flowering has been reported throughout the year, with blooms recorded in all months of the calendar year【3】. Flowers are fragrant, a trait often associated with moth pollination in the genus, but no specific pollinator has been documented for A. cornucopiae.

Conservation and Responsible Cultivation

An IUCN Red List assessment for the species was published in 2015 by the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group【4】. The assessment’s conservation category is not provided in the excerpt, so the exact threat status remains undocumented here. Collectors should ensure any material is sourced from legal, sustainably managed programmes.

Evidence and Limitations

Key aspects such as precise flower morphology, elevation range, and temperature tolerances are not covered by the available sources. Further field studies and horticultural trials would be needed to flesh out these details.