This attractive orchid is bearing flowers in the East Tropics greenhouse.
Comprising approximately 200 species, the genus Angraecum occurs in Africa and Madagascar, and contains mainly epiphytic species which grow at low altitudes in warm, humid climates. All species are monopodial (produce a single stem), and have two ranks of linear leaves along the length of the stem. A. angraecum is native to eastern tropical Africa and the West Indian Ocean. The racemes can reach up to 60cm in length and bear up to 30 green and ivory flowers with a distinct inverted lip. At night these produce a pleasant fragrance which attracts pollinating hawk moths. A robust species, A. angraecum grows on host trees and on rocky surfaces and can grow to over 1m in height.