At a glance
RECORDED PROFILE DATA- Scientific name
- Angraecum brevicornu Summerh.
- Name status
- Accepted
- Native region
- Northeast Tropical Africa (NE Tanzania)
- Growth habit
- Epiphytic
- Cultivation temperature group
- Warm
Names and Taxonomy
The accepted name for this species is Angraecum brevicornu Summerh. 1962. The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WFO) lists it as an accepted name [3]. Synonyms recorded in horticultural literature include Angraecoides brevicornu (Summerh.) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka 2013 and Conchograecum brevicornu (Summerh.) Szlach., Grochocka, Oledrz. & Mytnik 2018 [2]. No vernacular common name is documented in the available sources.
How to Identify This Species
Angraecum brevicornu is a miniature epiphyte. Stems are short, bilaterally compressed and often less than a few centimeters long. Leaves are alternate, falcate, ligulate, slightly leathery, and have an acute, bilobed apex; they are described as “somewhat shiny, basally twisted” [2]. Mature plants reach about 30 cm in height [4].
The inflorescence is single‑flowered, arising from the axil of each leaf. Peduncles are 4–8 mm long and persist after flowering, giving a fasciculate appearance. Flowers are white with a faint pinkish‑to‑greenish‑pink tinge; the lip is typical of the section Conchoglossum. A diagnostic feature is the very short, straight, unthickened spur, markedly shorter than that of most other Angraecum species [2]. Fragrance is reported as present, described simply as “fragrant” [4].
Because many Angraecum species share a similar habit, the combination of a short compressed stem, leaf shape, solitary white‑pinkish flower and especially the extremely short spur are the most reliable field characters.
Native Range and Habitat
The species is endemic to northeastern Tanzania. It has been recorded in lowland forest on the trunks of lemon trees (Citrus spp.) at elevations of 500–600 m [2]. The habitat is warm, humid, and receives filtered sunlight beneath the forest canopy.
Species‑Specific Care
| Factor | Documented guidance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Warm conditions typical of lowland tropical forests; daytime 24–30 °C, night not below 18 °C | Described as “warm growing epiphyte” [2] |
| Light | Bright, filtered light; avoid direct midday sun | Habitat under forest canopy implies filtered light [2] |
| Water | Keep substrate evenly moist; do not allow prolonged dryness | Low drought tolerance noted [4] |
| Humidity | High humidity (≈70–80 %) preferred | Warm, humid lowland forest habitat [2] |
| Substrate / Mounting | Mounted on bark or tree fern slab; if potted, use a very coarse, well‑draining orchid mix with ample aeration | Epiphytic habit [4] |
| Feeding | Balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength every 2–3 weeks during active growth | Standard practice for warm‑grown Angraecum; specific source not documented – Not documented |
| Repotting / Re‑mounting | Every 2–3 years or when media breaks down; use fresh bark mix | Typical for small epiphytes; specific source not documented – Not documented |
| Seasonal changes | No documented rest period; maintain warm, humid conditions year‑round | Flowering reported in all months [4] |
Maintain stable warm temperatures and high humidity, mirroring the species’ lowland forest environment. Because the plant tolerates little drought, watering should be regular but the medium must drain quickly to avoid root rot. Mounting on bark allows the roots to breathe and mimics its natural epiphytic growth.
Flowering and Pollination
Flowers may appear throughout the year in cultivation, as bloom months are listed for all twelve months [4]. Each inflorescence bears a single flower that is fragrant, though the exact scent description is not documented. The spur is very short and straight, a morphology that in other Angraecum species is associated with small moth pollinators, but no pollinator has been recorded for A. brevicornu. Consequently, pollination mechanisms remain undocumented.
Evidence and Limitations
The profile is based on a limited set of online snippets. Detailed measurements of flower dimensions, precise fragrance composition, and confirmed pollinator observations are not available in the cited sources. Conservation status, population trends, and legal trade regulations for this species have not been located and should be consulted from dedicated assessments (e.g., IUCN) before collection or trade.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature range does Angraecum brevicornu require?
It is a warm‑growing orchid from lowland tropical forests; keep daytime temperatures around 24–30 °C and night temperatures no lower than 18 °C.
Can Angraecum brevicornu be grown in a pot?
Yes, but a very coarse, well‑draining orchid mix or a bark mount is preferred to mimic its natural epiphytic habit.
When does this species flower?
Flowering has been reported in all months of the year, indicating the plant can bloom year‑round under suitable conditions.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
Sources & references
- IOSPE PHOTOS – Angraecum brevicornu, https://www.orchidspecies.com/angbrevicornu.htm
- NativePlants.info – Angraecum brevicornu, https://www.nativeplants.info/plant/magnoliophyta-flowering-plants/orchidaceae/angraecum/angraecum_brevicornu.html
- World Flora Online – Angraecum brevicornu taxon details, https://pnss.iflora.cn/Home/Detail?DatasetID=WFO&taxonID=wfo-4000002109
- Wikipedia – List of Angraecum species, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Angraecum_species
