Flowers : Orchids and Periwinkles

Orchids of Madagascar

Orchids count nearly thousand species in the Great Island from which 90% are endemic. These glowing orchids in the Malagasy forests find their respective originalities through their various sizes, from the singular forms to the very mixed colors. To give a first impression from what awaits you in this country of the endemism, some very rare orchid flowers, unfound anywhere else, will be described. Orchids can grow either in the wet Eastern forests or in the Western dry forests. Among the orchids which open out its flowers in the Large island, the stars of Madagascar called sesquipedalian Angraecum are most beautiful. These orchises which make the reputation of this country are very rare, i.e. single in the world. Also qualified star of Betléhem, this plant épiphyte saw hung to tree trunks. This characteristic comes owing to the fact that it benefits from matters nutritive which are located on the surface of the barks of the trees. In certain cases, it is lithophyte, i.e. it develops on the rocks. Generally, the pin of sesquipedalian Angraecum is presented over a 30 centimetres length in order to contain its nectar. However, this pin can reach a 45 centimetres length. This orchis like Angraecoïde has very clean white flowers. Its spur is also lactescent. This species of orchis is indissociable butterfly called Xanthopan morgani predicta which is responsible for its pollination. This butterfly is clean of this orchis. It with the horn same length as the spur of sesquipedalian Angraecum.

To have the immense chance to appreciate fleur of Angraecum sesquipedal, you must come for his period from flowering which extends from June to November. With the species called Angraecum eburneum, they are the rare orchises which give flowers during the southern winter. Let us note that this species is threatened of disappearance. By visiting Madagascar, you will also be likely to appreciate Disperis imitations. This one is endemic country. This herbaceous generally develops on the surface of the ground, i.e. terrestrial. It can reach a height from 8 to 27 cm.

Disperis half-tone engravings presents two opposite sheets centered on the stem. This last also supports the usually pink flowers of color. The flowers open out there by four with an average perianth from 1 to 1,5 cm. Disperis imitations meets on the area of the central highlands as in the south of Ambositra, Andringitra, Mont Tsaratanana which is the septentrional limit of this area. It often joins Eulophia hians, another species of orchis. Disperis trilineata has the same characteristic as Disperis imitations. The difference between these two orchises is in the height, the color of flower and the perianth which is of 6mm. The height of Disperis trilineata is to the maximum 15 cm and the color of its flower goes from the dull pink to the violet. It is located especially in the northern area of the island, on the level of Sambirano. When in Disperis tripetaloïdes, it is also herbaceous and develops on the surface of the ground. Its height is included between 10 to 22 cm with two or three sheets laying out with different heights on the stem. The sheets are coloured with the borrowed dark green and the violet of paler veins. The fleures of this orchis are with the average number of 3 with a tinted white color of pink where the lower part of the sepals is striped green or brown veins. She is noticed in small colony on the Western part (Bemaraha, Sambirano,…) and on the south-eastern point of Madagascar. Other kinds are also remarkable in Madagascar like Eulophia epiphytica and Eulophia livingstoniana. Eulophia epiphytica is large a épiphyte with a hanging stem. This tubular stem has a 1,5 m length length and relates of sheet only to its upper part. The stems also present several hanging flowers with to the lancéolée bractée base one from 3 to 8 Misters the flowers emit perfumes enivrants and the perianth is yellow green dominating. The spur is short at the same time cylindrical and conical.

Eulophia epiphytica is a species in danger of disappearance because of its zone of rather restricted predilection. It meets mainly in the extreme south-east of the Large island and it decorates the trunks of palm trees raffia or Dypsis by rolling up its stem on the basis of sheet. The greatest colonization of this confusing orchis is localised in the plantation of palm tree raffia and palm tree with oil not far from Fort Dolphin. Contrary to Eulophia epiphytica, the orchis called Eulophia livingstoniana has more extended distribution because it can be almost localised in all the areas of Madagascar. Its localization goes from north (Amber Mountain) to the south of the island (Betroka), while passing by the central highlands (Fianarantsoa, Alaotra,…), the oriental party and Western.

She has continuous acute sheets according to a precise line. Its flowers which appear during January to March are very attractive. They are more or less large with a 5 cm length. The perianth is of color mauve which contrasts with a beautiful red - purple. The eulophiella roempleriana is the orchis queen of Madagascar. Endemic species, one especially recognizes it on a tree: the pandanus and one often sees it in the island with the Sainte Marie plaits. Big size in November, it raises a color fushia which illuminates you the life. Let us not forget to quote the famous black orchis or the palm tree raffia of Madagascar, under its scientific name “cymbidiella humboti”. It has a flower black and green yellowish. We are likely to be able to admire it December.

Lastly, the list is still long. Let us finish by the most coveted most known orchis and of Madagascar which is the vanilla known under the scientific name of Vanilla planifolia. It has a cylindrical stem. In the wild state, it generally sticks to a tree or support. It produces large fleshy flowers. They have a yellowish color marked by a green trace at the base of petal.

This orchis produces fruits which make the happiness of all the kitchens of the world. Most of its worldwide production comes from the Large island.

Periwinkles of Madagascar

In addition to the orchises, the periwinkle is one of flowers very characteristic of Madagascar. This flower is especially known for its therapeutic virtue. At the present time, it is widespread a little everywhere in the world but it is originating in Madagascar.

The periwinkle belongs to the family of Apocynaceaes, i.e. with the same family as the frangipanier or the liana of milk…. It is very long-lived and it produces flowers with very summary and discrete forms. Its flowers are presented under various colors going of pink, mauve and of white with its five petals supported by a very fine stalk. These flowers have a rather strong odor. In traditional medicine, this plant is used especially like a remedy against the diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

The wonders of Madagascar are inexhaustible to amaze you. They await only you to discover them. Tourist tours special can be established with the request for each one.