At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum myrianthum Schltr.
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Southwest Madagascar
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic subshrub
- Cultivation temperature group
- Not documented
Names and Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name for this species is Angraecum myrianthum Schltr.[1][5] The name was first published in Annales du Muséum Colonial de Marseille series 3, volume 1, page 197 (1913). A later homotypic synonym is Boryangraecum myrianthum (Schltr.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, proposed in 2013[1]. No other synonyms or infraspecific taxa are documented. The species is accepted in the Kew World Checklist and the World Flora Online.[1][5] No common name has been recorded in the consulted sources.
How to Identify This Species
Angraecum myrianthum is a miniature to small epiphytic subshrub. Plants reach about 30 cm in overall height[4]. The stem is very short or sometimes absent, with leaves arising directly from the base. Leaves are linear, densely arranged, typically 7–9 per plant, and are described as “very unequally and obtusely bilobed apically”[2]. The inflorescence is many‑flowered, arising from a short peduncle up to 15 cm long, and bears numerous tiny white flowers. Individual flowers are approximately 3 mm (0.12 in) across[2]. The floral column and spur are not detailed in the available sources, and fragrance is reported as present[4]. Because many Angraecum species bear small white flowers, identification should rely on the combination of leaf number, leaf shape, very short stem, and the dense many‑flowered inflorescence.
Native Range and Habitat
The species is endemic to the southwest region of Madagascar[1][4]. It grows as an epiphyte on the twigs of bushes in a seasonally dry tropical biome[1]. Specific elevation data are not provided in the sources; the habitat is described generally as “warm growing” and associated with dry forest or scrub environments. No records of introduction outside its native range were found.
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Growth medium | Epiphytic mounting or very small, well‑draining orchid mix | Observed habit (epiphyte) – inferred from habitat[1][2] |
| Light | Bright, filtered light; direct midday sun may be too intense | Not documented for this species; typical for warm‑growing epiphytes[2] |
| Temperature | Warm conditions typical of lowland dry Madagascar (day 24–30 °C, night 18–22 °C) | Not documented; inferred from native climate[1] |
| Humidity | Moderate to high (60–80 %) | Not documented; inferred from epiphytic habit[1] |
| Watering | Allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings; avoid prolonged saturation | Not documented; typical for epiphytes in seasonally dry habitats[1] |
| Fertilizer | Balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength monthly during active growth | Not documented for this species[2] |
| Repotting / Re‑mounting | Every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the mount | Not documented[2] |
| Seasonal change | No specific rest period documented; maintain warm, humid conditions year‑round | Not documented[4] |
Because cultivation data are limited, growers should treat this species as a typical warm‑growing Angraecum epiphyte, providing good air flow, avoiding water‑logged media, and monitoring for pests common to epiphytic orchids. Observations from related Angraecum species suggest that the plant tolerates moderate drying between waterings.
Flowering and Pollination
Flowering time is reported inconsistently. IOSPE notes that A. myrianthum blooms in late fall to early winter[2], while NativePlants.info lists flowering in every month of the year[4]. The discrepancy indicates that precise phenology is not well documented and may vary with local microclimate. Flowers are small (≈3 mm), white, and fragrant, suggesting possible moth pollination, a common syndrome in the Angraecum genus, but no direct pollinator observations are recorded for this species.[2][4]
Evidence and Limitations
The profile relies on a limited set of online references. Key gaps include detailed measurements of floral structures (spur length, column), exact elevation range, precise temperature and humidity requirements, and confirmed pollinator information. Future field studies or horticultural trials would be needed to refine cultivation protocols and ecological understanding.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- Angraecum myrianthum Schltr. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616290-1
- IOSPE PHOTOS Angraecum myrianthum Schltr. 1913, https://www.orchidspecies.com/angmyrianthum.htm
- Angraecum Orchids, Orchid Care, Orchid Compendium – Clan Orchids, http://www.clanorchids.com/compendium/page3a.html
- Angraecum myrianthum – NativePlants.info, https://www.nativeplants.info/plant/magnoliophyta-flowering-plants/orchidaceae/angraecum/angraecum_myrianthum.html
- WFO Angraecum myrianthum – World Flora Online, https://pnss.iflora.cn/Home/Detail?DatasetID=WFO&taxonID=wfo-4000002109
