Angraecum leonis is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae.

Description

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.

Cytology

The diploid chromosome count of this species is 2n = 40, or 2n = 38.

Ecology

Pollination

The sphingophilous flowers are fragrant during the night.

Etymology

It is named after Léon Humblot, a French orchid collector.

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.

Horticulture

It can be successfully cultivated in intermediate temperatures. 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.

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