At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum pseudofilicornu H.Perrier
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Madagascar (Northern Madagascar)
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic subshrub
- Cultivation temperature group
- Warm (day 24–30 °C, night 18–22 °C)
Names and Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name is Angraecum pseudofilicornu H.Perrier, first published in Notul. Syst. (Paris) 7:108 (1937)【1】. Kew lists this name as the accepted one for the species. A homotypic synonym is Arachnangraecum pseudofilicornu (H.Perrier) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, published in 2013【2】. No common name is documented in the available sources.
How to Identify This Species
Growth habit: A pendent or leaning epiphytic subshrub with thin, wiry stems about 2 mm in diameter and 10–20 cm long. Roots are described as verrucose (warty) and fine【5】.
Leaves: Linear, 3–8 cm long and 3–5 mm wide, rigid, thick, dorsally grooved (canaliculated) and semi‑cylindrical below【5】.
Inflorescence: Axillary, 5–7 cm long, bearing 1–3 flowers; peduncle 3–4 cm, very thin basally and thicker apically【5】.
Flowers: White, fragrant, relatively large—about 5 × 12.5 cm (2 × 5 in) in size【3】【7】. The racemose inflorescence carries few flowers (typically 2–4) and the flowers are long‑lasting. Detailed spur morphology is not documented in the sources consulted.
Similar species: It has been compared to Angraecum scottianum from the Comoro Islands, which shares a general habit but differs in sepal colour (pinkish) and overall vigor【5】.
Native Range and Habitat
The species is endemic to northern Madagascar, occurring in humid moss forests at elevations from roughly 960 to 1 800 m【3】【7】. Kew records the native range as “N. Madagascar” and describes the biome as wet tropical【1】. It grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches within these moss‑rich forests.
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light; morning sun acceptable, avoid strong afternoon sun. | [4][6] |
| Temperature | Day 24–30 °C; night 18–22 °C. | [4][6] |
| Humidity | Maintain 70–80 % relative humidity. | [4][6] |
| Watering | Water thoroughly when the growing medium begins to dry; allow free drainage. | [4][6] |
| Mounting / Potting | Mount on cork or tree‑fern bark; can be grown in a well‑draining orchid mix. | [4][6] |
| Fertilizer | Balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. | [4] |
These recommendations are drawn from hobbyist cultivation notes that specifically mention Angraecum pseudofilicornu (Orchid.org and Begin With Plants). They emphasize warm daytime temperatures, slightly cooler nights, and high humidity—conditions that reflect the species’ native montane forest environment.
Flowering and Pollination
In cultivation the plant is reported to bloom throughout the year, with flowers lasting several weeks and emitting a noticeable fragrance【3】. Wild flowering time is not precisely documented in the sources consulted. No specific pollinator has been recorded for this species; pollination biology remains a gap in the literature.
Evidence and Limitations
Key aspects such as spur length, exact pollinator identity, and formal conservation status are not documented in the available online sources. The morphological description relies on brief horticultural notes and may lack the detail found in a full taxonomic monograph. Further field studies and herbarium examinations would be needed to fill these gaps.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature range does Angraecum pseudofilicornu need?
It prefers warm daytime temperatures of 24–30 °C and slightly cooler nights of 18–22 °C, matching the conditions reported by both Orchid.org and Begin With Plants【4】【6】.
Is Angraecum pseudofilicornu fragrant?
Yes, the species produces fragrant white flowers that are long‑lasting in cultivation【3】.
Can this orchid be grown in a pot?
While it is commonly mounted on cork or tree‑fern bark, it can also be grown in a well‑draining orchid mix, as recommended by horticultural sources【4】【6】.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- Angraecum pseudofilicornu H.Perrier. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616352-1
- Arachnangraecum pseudofilicornu (H.Perrier) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77138547-1
- IOSPE PHOTOS – Angraecum pseudofilicornu. Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia. https://www.orchidspecies.com/angpseudofilicornu.htm
- Orchid Species: Angraecum pseudofilicornu. Orchids.org. https://www.orchids.org/grexes/angraecum-pseudofilicornu
- Angraecum pseudofilicornu – African Orchids. https://www.africanorchids.dk/index.php?Itemid=370&catid=193&id=1030sobennikoffia-robusta&option=com_content&view=article
- Angraecum pseudofilicornu – Begin With Plants. https://beginwithplants.com/products/angraecum-pseudofilicornu
