At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum pergracile Schltr.
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Northern Madagascar (Sambirano)
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic subshrub
- Cultivation temperature group
- Warm (tropical)
Names and Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name is Angraecum pergracile Schltr., first described in 1925 in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. [1]. A later homotypic synonym is Hermansia pergracilis (Schltr.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka (2013) [1]. No common names are recorded in the consulted sources.
How to Identify This Species
Angraecum pergracile is a small epiphytic subshrub that reaches about 30 cm in height [3]. It grows on tree trunks and branches, forming a compact clump of slender stems bearing narrow, upright leaves (typical of many Angraecum). The inflorescence bears white, fragrant flowers; fragrance is noted in cultivation reports [5]. Flowering in the wild occurs in January [2]. Because detailed measurements of flower size and spur length are not provided in the available sources, identification should be confirmed with a herbarium specimen or reliable photograph.
Native Range and Habitat
The species is endemic to northern Madagascar, specifically the Sambirano region. It inhabits dry, deciduous forest, seasonal savanna‑shrubland, and dry forest on the slopes of the Sambirano valley at roughly 200 m elevation [2]. In the wild it is an epiphyte on the trunks and branches of forest trees.
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, strong light; full sun or high‑light greenhouse conditions. | [2] |
| Temperature | Warm (tropical) environment; a hot greenhouse is recommended. | [2] |
| Substrate | Epiphytic bark or “epiphyte compost” mounted on a slab or grown in a pot with coarse, well‑draining medium. | [2] |
| Watering | Keep medium evenly moist; the species has low drought tolerance, indicating it does not tolerate prolonged drying. | [5] |
| Humidity | High humidity (≥70 %) is typical for its native dry forest micro‑habitat; a misting system or greenhouse humidity is beneficial. | [5] |
| Feeding | Use a balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength during active growth; no specific schedule documented. | Not documented |
| Repotting / Re‑mounting | Because roots are sensitive, avoid frequent disturbance; re‑mount or repot only when medium breaks down. | Not documented |
| Seasonal changes | Maintain warm conditions year‑round; no documented rest period. | Not documented |
In practice, growers report successful cultivation on a slab or in a pot with an epiphytic bark mix, provided the plant receives bright light and warm temperatures typical of a hot greenhouse. Consistent moisture and high humidity help mimic the seasonal moisture of its native dry forest.
Flowering and Pollination
Wild plants flower in January, coinciding with the early part of the dry season in the Sambirano region [2]. Flowers are white and emit a noticeable fragrance [5]. No specific pollinator has been documented for this species; pollination observations are absent from the available literature.
Evidence and Limitations
The profile relies on three online sources. Detailed morphological data (e.g., flower dimensions, spur length) and pollinator information are not documented in the consulted references. Cultivation recommendations are derived from a single grower note and may not reflect the full range of successful horticultural practices. Further field studies and horticultural trials would help fill these gaps.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- Angraecum pergracile Schltr. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616330-1
- Page A7 – liste des orchidées de Madagascar (section Acaulia), http://madaorchidee.free.fr/lesorchideesdemadagascar/pagesalphabetiques/pageA7.htm
- Angraecum pergracile | NativePlants.info, https://www.nativeplants.info/plant/magnoliophyta-flowering-plants/orchidaceae/angraecum/angraecum_pergracile.html
