At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum scalariforme H.Perrier
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Madagascar
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic subshrub
- Cultivation temperature group
- Not documented
Names and Taxonomy
Angraecum scalariforme H.Perrier is the accepted scientific name for this species. It was first published in Mém. Inst. Sci. Madagascar, Sér. B, Biol. Vég. 6: 265 (1955) and is listed as an accepted name by Kew’s Plants of the World Online.[1] A homotypic synonym is Angraecoides scalariformis (H.Perrier) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka, proposed in 2013.[1] No common name is recorded in the consulted 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 short stem, typical of many Angraecum species, but detailed leaf morphology is not documented in the available sources. The inflorescence bears white to green flowers that are fragrant. Bloom colour and fragrance are noted, while precise measurements of the lip, spur, or flower size are not provided.[2] Because detailed morphological data are lacking, identification should be confirmed with a herbarium specimen or a reliable photographic reference.
Native Range and Habitat
Angraecum scalariforme is native to the northeastern part of Madagascar, occurring in the island’s wet tropical biome. It grows as an epiphyte on trees in humid forest environments.[1] No reliable records of the species in the Comoros were found in the consulted literature; its distribution appears to be confined to Madagascar.
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Growth habit | Epiphytic; can be mounted on bark or grown in a very well‑draining medium. | POWO indicates epiphytic subshrub.[1] |
| Watering | Keep moisture consistently high; the species has low drought tolerance. | NativePlants.info notes low drought tolerance.[2] |
| Humidity | Not documented – maintain high humidity typical of tropical epiphytes. | Not documented |
| Light | Not documented – provide bright, filtered light similar to forest canopy shade. | Not documented |
| Temperature | Not documented – likely warm to intermediate based on lowland tropical origin. | Not documented |
| Fertilisation | Not documented – a balanced, dilute orchid fertilizer during active growth is commonly used for related Angraecum species. | Not documented |
| Blooming | Flowers may appear throughout the year (January–December). | NativePlants.info reports year‑round blooming.[2] |
| Fragrance | Flowers are fragrant. | NativePlants.info notes fragrance.[2] |
In practice, growers should aim to replicate the humid, moist conditions of a lowland Madagascan rainforest: keep the plant mounted or in a bark‑based mix, water regularly so the medium never dries out, and maintain air movement to prevent fungal problems.
Flowering and Pollination
Flowering has been reported for every month of the year, suggesting a continuous or opportunistic blooming pattern in its native habitat.[2] The flowers are white to green and emit a noticeable fragrance, traits that typically attract nocturnal moth pollinators in the Angraecum genus, but no specific pollinator has been documented for A. scalariforme.
Evidence and Limitations
Key aspects such as detailed flower morphology, exact elevation range, specific light and temperature requirements, and pollinator identity are not documented in the sources consulted. Further field observations and taxonomic revisions would be valuable to fill these gaps.
Frequently asked questions
When does Angraecum scalariforme flower?
Flowering has been reported throughout the year, from January to December, in its native habitat.[2]
How drought tolerant is Angraecum scalariforme?
The species has low drought tolerance and requires consistently moist conditions.[2]
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- Angraecum scalariforme H.Perrier | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616400-1
- Angraecum scalariforme | NativePlants.info, https://www.nativeplants.info/plant/magnoliophyta-flowering-plants/orchidaceae/angraecum/angraecum_scalariforme.html
