OrchidAngraecum calceolus
Category
- Forests
Description
A. calceolus is an epiphytic plant with fibrous roots starting at the base of the leaves. It has six to eight leaves that are 20 cm long and 2 cm wide. The leaves are compressed at the base, glabrous (smooth) narrowly lanceolate (tapering at the apex) and a beautiful green colour. Its inflorescence is in clusters,15 cm long, starting from the lower leaves. Its flowers are small only 15mm long and are greenish-white with tapering capsules that are 8 cm long.
Habitat and ecology
As an epiphyte, it often grows on tree trunks and on rocks, rarely on the ground. A. calceolus is fairly common in intermediate forests and can be found in exposed and windy places.
Conservation and threats
Despite being classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, no specific conservation action is currently being undertaken for its conservation. At Bel Ombre, however, it is protected under the forest restoration project. Its population is declining due to habitat loss and the invasion of exotic species.
Did you know?
Calceolus is the diminutive of the Latin word calceus which means "little or small shoe".
In Mauritius, a sample was collected by Petit-Thouars in 1822.
