Angraecum hermannii

Names and Taxonomy

The accepted name is Angraecum hermannii (Cordem.) Schltr., first published in Beih. Bot. Centralbl., Abt. 2. 33: 434 (1915) and recognised by Kew’s Plants of the World Online as the correct name【1】. Two homotypic synonyms are recorded: Mystacidium hermanni Cordem. (1899) and Pectinariella hermanni (Cordem.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka (2013)【1】. The French vernacular “Angrec d’Hermann” appears in the Mascarene flora index【3】. The species is listed in CITES Appendix II, confirming that international trade is regulated【11】.

How to Identify This Species

Growth habit: A tiny epiphytic subshrub that clings to twigs and branches in humid forest canopies. The plant bears a short stem with two‑ranked, linear leaves that are unequally bilobed at the apex【10】.

Size: Described as “mini‑miniature” – stems only a few centimetres long; some sources note a pendent habit up to 30 cm, but the most consistent description is a very small plant under 3 cm in overall length【10】.

Leaves: Linear, arranged in two ranks, with a distinct bilobed tip. Leaves are thin and adapted to a moss‑rich environment.

Inflorescence: Axillary, short, usually bearing a single flower. The flower is white (occasionally reported as yellow‑green) and measures about 0.4 in (≈1 cm) across【10】.

Flower structure: Typical of the genus Angraecum – a long nectar spur (length not documented) and a labellum adapted for moth pollination. Fragrance timing is not documented for this species.

Similar species: Angraecum liliodorum also occurs on Réunion but has larger, fragrant white flowers and a longer spur. Careful examination of leaf size and flower dimensions helps separate the two.

Native Range and Habitat

Endemic to the island of Réunion in the western Indian Ocean. It occurs in humid, montane forests, typically at elevations around 1 200 m where mosses and lichens are abundant on tree branches【10】. The species is epiphytic, growing on twigs and branches rather than on the ground. The habitat is characterised by a wet tropical biome with high humidity and moderate temperatures associated with the elevation.

Species‑Specific Care

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Because the plant is miniature and cool‑adapted, it is best grown in a well‑ventilated greenhouse or a cool indoor environment where temperature fluctuations are gentle. Maintaining high humidity and good air flow helps prevent fungal problems that can affect small epiphytes.

Flowering and Pollination

Flowering has been reported in the later spring to early summer in the native range【10】. Flowers are short‑lived, about 1 cm across, and are white (some reports mention a yellow‑green hue). The long spur suggests moth pollination, a common syndrome in Angraecum, but direct pollinator observations for A. hermannii are not documented in the available sources.

Conservation and Responsible Cultivation

The species is listed as Endangered on the 2023 Réunion Red List, reflecting a decline in its natural populations【5】. Habitat loss and illegal collection are primary threats. Cultivation from seed or tissue culture under proper CITES permits can help reduce pressure on wild populations.

Evidence and Limitations

Most morphological details come from the IOSPE entry, which is based on limited horticultural observations and may lack comprehensive measurements. Precise temperature ranges, light intensity values, and pollinator identities are not documented for this species. Further field studies are required to confirm flowering phenology, pollination biology, and optimal cultivation parameters.