Angraecum magdalenae var. magdalenae

Names and Taxonomy

The accepted name for this taxon is Angraecum magdalenae var. magdalenae. It was first described as the species Angraecum magdalenae by Rudolf Schlechter & H. Perrier in 1925 and later recognised at the varietal rank by the Kew World Checklist (see POWO [1]). The variety is accepted and listed as a distinct infraspecific taxon under the species Angraecum magdalenae (POWO [2]). No other scientific synonyms are recorded for the variety itself; the species has the synonym Rudolfangraecum magdalenae (Schltr. & H.Perrier) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka [3]. No common name is documented in the available sources.

How to Identify This Species

Field reports describe the plant as a medium‑sized, monopodial lithophyte growing on quartzite boulders. Stems are short and the leaves are arranged distichously, each leaf 6–8 in number, fleshy‑coriaceous, oblong‑ligulate and unequally bilobed at the apex (IOSPE [3]).

The inflorescence is a short, bracteate spike 2–3 cm long, arising from below the first leaf and bearing 1–5 flowers. Flowers are strikingly white, 7.5–10 cm across, with a long tubular spur about 10 cm in length. The fragrance is described as sweet, jasmine‑like and strongest at night. These characters—large white flowers with an exceptionally long spur and a nocturnal fragrance—help separate the taxon from other Angraecum species that have shorter spurs or different colouration.

Because the variety shares the same basic flower morphology as the species, identification relies on the lithophytic habit and the central‑Madagascar distribution rather than on unique floral traits.

Native Range and Habitat

The variety is endemic to central Madagascar, where it occurs in the seasonally dry tropical biome (POWO [1]). In the wild it grows lithophytically on quartzite boulders, often in leaf litter, at elevations between 800 m and 2000 m. The habitat experiences a distinct cool, dry winter season with minimal rainfall (about 1.2 cm per month) and mist that provides limited moisture (IOSPE [3]).

Species‑Specific Care

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In practice, growers report that the species tolerates bright light and benefits from good air movement, which helps prevent leaf scorch when exposed to higher irradiance. Maintaining a cool night temperature (around 13 °C) is critical for encouraging growth and eventual flowering.

Flowering and Pollination

Plants flower in the later spring to early summer of the Southern Hemisphere, coinciding with the end of the cool, dry season (IOSPE [3]). Flowers open at night, emit a strong jasmine‑like fragrance, and remain viable for several days. The long spur (≈10 cm) suggests pollination by long‑tongued hawkmoths, a pattern common in many Angraecum species, but direct pollinator observations for this variety are not documented in the available sources.

Evidence and Limitations

The profile relies on a limited set of sources: Kew’s Plants of the World Online for taxonomic status and native range; IOSPE for morphological and ecological notes; and a cultivation note from African Orchids for temperature and light requirements. Several horticultural aspects (exact humidity levels, fertilisation regime, detailed pest management) lack species‑specific documentation and are therefore presented as general Angraecum guidance or marked “Not documented.” No formal conservation assessment (e.g., IUCN) was found for the variety.