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Angraecum sesquipedale Thouars
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Synonyms: | Aeranthes sesquipedalis (Thouars) Lindl. |
| Common Name: | Christmas Star Orchid, Darwin's Orchid, Comet Orchid |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A large, monopodial, epiphytic orchid, its stem can reach 1m in length. |
|---|---|
| Roots | The roots are thick and greyish and are only produced along the lower part of the stem. |
| Foliage | The dark green leathery leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are bilobed at the leaf tip. The leaves measure 22 to 30cm long and are 3cm in width. |
| Flowers | The flowers are produced at the axillary buds located at the upper part of the stem. The flower has creamy white petals and yellow tinged sepals. The flower lip is white and concave, tapering to a point. The spur is the focal point of the flower, measuring 30 to 45cm long and gradually narrows from the base to the apex. The flowers are fragrant at night. |
| Habitat | It is found in forests from sea level to altitudes of 700m. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown mounted on fern or tree bark. Do not re-pot frequently as the plant roots are sensitive to disturbance. |
| Etymology | The species epithet 'sesquipedale' means 'a foot and a half' which refers to the length of the flower spur. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Moth Food Plant |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Tissue Culture |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31587 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5986 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |