Angraecum lecomtei

Names and Taxonomy

The accepted scientific name for this species is Angraecum lecomtei H.Perrier, first described in Notulae Systematicae 7:119 (1938)【2】. Kew’s Plants of the World Online (POWO) lists the name as accepted and records the native range as eastern‑northeastern Madagascar【1】. A later homotypic synonym, Perrierangraecum lecomtei (H.Perrier) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, was published in 2013 but is treated as a synonym of A. lecomtei by POWO【6】. No common (vernacular) name is documented in the consulted sources.

How to Identify This Species

Published sources provide only limited morphological information. The species is described as an epiphytic subshrub growing on trees in wet tropical forests【1】. Detailed descriptions of leaf shape, stem length, flower colour, size, lip morphology, or fragrance are not available in the current references, so reliable field identification must rely on herbarium specimens or expert verification. Growers should compare any cultivated material with authenticated herbarium images where possible.

Native Range and Habitat

Angraecum lecomtei is endemic to Madagascar, with records concentrated in the northeastern part of the island【1】【9】【10】. It inhabits the wet tropical biome, typically as an epiphyte on tree branches in humid forest canopies. Specific elevation limits have not been reported in the available data.

Species-Specific Care

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Because detailed horticultural information is lacking, growers are advised to follow general care guidelines for epiphytic Angraecum orchids: provide a well‑aerated bark mix, maintain high humidity (70‑80 %), avoid direct midday sun, and keep temperatures in the 20‑28 °C range. Monitor the plant for signs of stress and adjust cultural conditions accordingly. These suggestions are extrapolated from genus‑level practice and are not species‑specific evidence.

Flowering and Pollination

No published data on the flowering period, flower morphology, fragrance, or pollinators of A. lecomtei were found in the consulted sources. Consequently, any statements about its phenology or pollination ecology would be speculative.

Conservation and Responsible Cultivation

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Angraecum lecomtei as Vulnerable (2025 assessment)【6】. It is also included in CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade【6】. Angiosperm Extinction Risk Predictions (2024) classify the species as “Threatened” with a confident assessment【2】. Conservation of its forest habitat in northeastern Madagascar is therefore critical. Cultivators should ensure that any plant material is sourced from reputable, legally compliant suppliers who can provide provenance documentation.

Evidence and Limitations

This profile is based on taxonomic and conservation information from Kew’s Plants of the World Online, IPNI, the IUCN Red List (as cited on Wikipedia), GBIF occurrence data, and a few orchid compendia that mention the species’ geographic range. Detailed morphological descriptions, precise habitat parameters (elevation, host tree species), and species‑specific horticultural guidelines are not documented in the available sources. Future field studies and cultivation trials are needed to fill these gaps.