Angraecum leonis explained

Angraecum leonis is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae.^[1]

Forms

Two different forms of this species exist. The form native to the Comoros is considerably larger and nearly twice as big as the one native to Madagascar.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Cytology

The diploid chromosome count of this species is 2n = 40,^[5] or 2n = 38.^[6]

Ecology

Pollination

The sphingophilous flowers are fragrant during the night.

Etymology

It is named after Léon Humblot, a French orchid collector.^[7]

Physiology

Floral fragrance

The floral fragrance is primarily composed of chavicol (70%), followed by benzyl salicylate (7.3%), benzyl benzoate (5.5%), methyl nicotinate (5.3%), as well as many more compounds in smaller quantities.^[8]

Horticulture

It can be successfully cultivated in intermediate temperatures.^[9] It can be mounted on cork and bark, but it can also grow potted in bark pieces. It should be grown in shade to semi-shade.^[10]

Notes and References

1. 616224-1

   . Angraecum leonis (Rchb.f.) André . 11 January 2022.
2. Otway, B. (2021, August 2). Angraecum leonis. Pumpkin Beth - Horticulturist and Garden Writer. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.pumpkinbeth.com/plants/angraecum-leonis/
3. Kuligowski, T. (n.d.). Angraecum leonis (Size Identifies). The International Orchid Foundation (IOF). Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.orchids.org/articles/angraecum-leonis-size-identifies
4. Angraecum leonis care and culture. (2017, December 31). Travaldo’s Blog. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://travaldo.blogspot.com/2018/01/angraecum-leonis-care-and-culture.html
5. Jones, K. (1967). "The Chromosomes of Orchids: II: Vandeae Lindl." Kew Bulletin, 21(1), 151-156.
6. Arends, J. C., & Van der Laan, F. M. (1983). "Cytotaxonomy of the monopodial orchids of the African and Malagasy regions." Genetica, 62(2), 81-94.
7. Angraecum leonis. (n.d.). Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from http://www.orchidspecies.com/angleonis.htm
8. Micheneau, C., Fournel, J., Warren, B. H., Hugel, S., Gauvin-Bialecki, A., Pailler, T., ... & Chase, M. W. (2010). "Orthoptera, a new order of pollinator." Annals of botany, 105(3), 355-364.
9. Fitch, C. (2004). "The Best Orchids for Indoors." p. 34. Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
10. Kreuzer, H. (n.d.). Angraecum leonis. Zimmerpflanzenlexikon. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.zimmerpflanzenlexikon.info/pflanzen/angraecum-leonis