At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum dauphinense (Rolfe) Schltr.
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Madagascar
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic subshrub
- Cultivation temperature group
- Not documented
Names and Taxonomy
Angraecum dauphinense (Rolfe) Schltr. is the accepted name for this species according to Kew’s Plants of the World Online database[1]. The name was first published as Mystacidium dauphinense Rolfe in 1891 and later transferred to the genus Angraecum by Schlechter in 1915. Two homotypic synonyms are recorded:
- Gomphocentrum dauphinense (Rolfe) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka (2013)
- Mystacidium dauphinense Rolfe (1891)
No common name is documented in the available sources.
How to Identify This Species
The plant grows as an epiphytic subshrub, reaching about 30 cm in height[2]. Leaves are arranged along a monopodial stem typical of the genus, but detailed leaf dimensions are not provided in the sources. The flowers are reported to be white and fragrant[2]. Blooming occurs throughout the year in cultivation, with no specific size measurements for the lip, spur, or overall flower recorded. Because quantitative floral data are lacking, identification should be confirmed with a herbarium specimen or a reliable photographic comparison to related species.
A closely related species that shares a similar habit is Angraecum decaryanum, also a southwestern Madagascar epiphyte; however, A. decaryanum typically has larger, less fragrant flowers, which can aid separation when both are in view.
Native Range and Habitat
The species is endemic to the island of Madagascar, with the distribution recorded specifically for the southwest region[1][5][8]. It inhabits wet tropical forest biomes, growing as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches. No elevation range is documented, and the literature does not mention a preference for particular host tree species.
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Growth habit | Epiphytic; can be mounted on bark or grown in a very well‑draining medium | — |
| Light | Not documented for this species; most Angraecum species prefer bright to medium light | — |
| Temperature | Not documented; native habitat is warm tropical, suggesting a warm to intermediate range | — |
| Watering | Not documented; epiphytes from wet forests generally need regular moisture without water‑logging | — |
| Humidity | Not documented; wet tropical forest implies high humidity (≥70 %) | — |
| Fertilisation | Not documented; a balanced, half‑strength fertilizer applied during active growth is typical for Angraecum | — |
| Rest period | No specific rest period recorded; growers should observe natural growth cycles | — |
Because species‑specific horticultural data are sparse, growers are advised to start with the general cultural requirements for warm‑climate Angraecum orchids (bright indirect light, warm daytime temperatures, cooler nights, frequent misting, and a well‑aerated medium) and adjust based on the plant’s response.
Flowering and Pollination
In cultivation the plant has been observed to flower throughout the year[2]. Flowers are white and emit a fragrance, but the timing of scent release (day vs. night) is not recorded. No pollinator observations are documented for A. dauphinense; pollination biology remains unstudied.
Evidence and Limitations
The profile relies on a limited set of sources. While the taxonomic status and native range are well supported by Kew’s database and the CITES checklist, detailed morphological measurements, precise habitat elevation, and species‑specific cultivation protocols are not documented in the available literature. Further field studies and horticultural trials would be needed to fill these gaps.
Frequently asked questions
What type of habitat does Angraecum dauphinense naturally occupy?
It is an epiphytic orchid that occurs in the wet tropical forests of southwest Madagascar, growing on tree trunks and branches.
Does Angraecum dauphinense need a seasonal rest period in cultivation?
No specific rest period has been documented; growers should monitor growth and adjust watering and feeding according to the plant’s activity.
When does this species flower?
In cultivation it has been reported to flower throughout the year, producing white, fragrant blooms.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- Angraecum dauphinense (Rolfe) Schltr. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616071-1
- Angraecum dauphinense (Angraecum dauphinense) | NativePlants.info, https://www.nativeplants.info/plant/magnoliophyta-flowering-plants/orchidaceae/angraecum/angraecum_dauphinense.html
- Angraecum Orchids, Orchid Care, Orchid Compendium, http://www.clanorchids.com/compendium/page3a.html
- CITES Orchid Checklist – Part II: Accepted names in current use, https://www.kew.org/sites/default/files/PART_II_Names_in_current_use.pdf
