At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum stolzii Schltr.
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic subshrub (epiphyte)
- Cultivation temperature group
- Not documented
Names and Taxonomy
Angraecum stolzii Schltr. was first described in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik 53:603 (1915) and is accepted as the correct name by Kew’s Plants of the World Online[1]. Reported synonyms include Angraecoides stolzii (Schltr.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka (2013) and Conchograecum stolzii (Schltr.) Szlach., Grochocka, Oledrz. & Mytnik (2018)[1]. A common name recorded in the IOSPE database is “Stolz’s Angraecum”[2].
How to Identify This Species
Angraecum stolzii is a slender epiphytic subshrub that typically reaches about 30 cm in height[3]. Stems are erect to pendent, often woody, and bear two‑ranked, linear‑falcate leaves that twist so the blade planes align. Leaves are grass‑green, obtuse to bilobed apically, and persist along the entire stem.
Each year the stem produces a single‑flowered axillary inflorescence. Flowers are small (approximately 2–3 cm long), greenish to ochre, and emit a noticeable fragrance[2][3]. The lip is modest, and a short, straight spur projects from the base of the column. The inflorescence axis continues to grow, adding a new flower each year while retaining the dried peduncles of previous blooms, forming a characteristic woody spur‑like structure[2].
Native Range and Habitat
The species occurs naturally in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo[1]. It inhabits montane and riverine forest zones, from sea level up to about 1800 m elevation, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches in a seasonally dry tropical biome[1][2].
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Growth medium | Mount on bark or grow in a very coarse, well‑draining orchid mix; epiphytic habit suggests good aeration. | [3] |
| Light | Bright, filtered light; avoid direct harsh sun. | [3] |
| Watering | Keep the medium evenly moist but allow brief drying between waterings; avoid prolonged saturation. | Not documented |
| Humidity | Moderate to high humidity typical of montane forest (≈60‑80%). | Not documented |
| Temperature | Native range spans sea level to 1800 m, indicating tolerance of warm to cool conditions; a safe intermediate range is 15‑25 °C day, 12‑18 °C night. | Not documented |
| Fertilisation | Regular balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20‑20‑20) applied at half strength during active growth. | Not documented |
| Airflow | Good air movement to mimic forest canopy conditions. | Not documented |
Because detailed cultural studies are lacking, growers should observe the plant’s response and adjust watering and temperature accordingly. Maintaining the epiphytic habit—good aeration, moderate humidity and bright indirect light—generally promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Flowering and Pollination
Flowering has been reported throughout the year in its native range, suggesting a prolonged or opportunistic blooming period[3]. Flowers are fragrant, a trait that in many Angraecum species attracts nocturnal moth pollinators, but specific pollinator observations for A. stolzii are not documented[2][3].
Evidence and Limitations
Key aspects such as precise temperature tolerances, watering frequency, humidity targets and pollinator identity remain undocumented for this species. The available data are derived from herbarium descriptions, horticultural summaries and general orchid references; they do not replace targeted cultivation trials.
Frequently asked questions
What size does Angraecum stolzii reach in cultivation?
Plants typically grow to about 30 cm tall in cultivation, matching the size reported in horticultural sources.
Does Angraecum stolzii have a fragrance?
Yes, the flowers are reported as fragrant.
When does Angraecum stolzii flower?
Flowering has been reported throughout the year in its native range.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- Angraecum stolzii Schltr. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616432-1
- IOSPE PHOTOS – Angraecum stolzii, http://www.orchidspecies.com/angstolzii.htm
- Angraecum stolzii (Angraecum stolzii) | NativePlants.info, https://www.nativeplants.info/plant/magnoliophyta-flowering-plants/orchidaceae/angraecum/angraecum_stolzii.html
