Vanilla harvest
Especially in the northeast of Madagascar, vanilla is harvested to supply the rest of the world. Madagascar provides 80% of the world's entire harvest. Since vanilla is harvested from the vanilla orchid, this is a great opportunity to see how this is done in reality. The vanilla plants are fertilized manually. After fertilization, the plants are very strictly guarded by the farmers because the high value (more than silver) of the harvest makes it very attractive to steal. The people of Madagascar face a lot of poverty, corruption and poor enforcement of the law. For this reason, it is important to have a good guide and be careful in planning the trip.
Unique flora
Madagascar is isolated from the rest of the continent and the world. Because of this, 90% of the plants found on the island are endemic. When you find yourself in the nature of Madagascar, you can immerse yourself in a completely different world.
Orchids of Madagascar
More than 80% of Madagascar's plant species are not found in nature anywhere else in the world, including as many as 5 plant families. Three-quarters of Madagascar's 860 orchid species are found only there.
For example, Angraecum sesquipedale, known for its long nectar tube, grows here. The whip-like spores can reach a length of 35 centimeters. This orchid was described in a book by Charles Darwin in 1862. By this orchid was linked in 1903 to the Xanthopan morganii butterfly, which has a remarkably long rolling tongue (proboscis). The Xanthopan morgani sphinx moth is also called this butterfly.
Examples of orchids from Madagascar
Other well-known orchids, which many enthusiasts collect and come from Madagascar are the following:
Aerangis citrata
An epiphytic small orchid, with fragrant white flowers. It grows particularly in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar.
Bulbophyllum lepidum
This orchid has small colorful flowers, which look like a small xylophone. This orchid is found in the humid forests of Madagascar.
Oeonia volucris
This orchid has white flowers and can bloom in late summer, fall and winter. If you own this particular orchid, they prefer to grow in warm to temperate climate conditions. They prefer to grow not in a pot, but suspended in high humidity. A little bit of moss near the roots can help keep them from drying out too quickly and keep the moisture especially here.
Assortment of orchids from Madagascar
We regularly have orchids that originate from Madagascar in our assortment. For example, we regularly offer the Aerangis citrata. So even if you do not dare to travel so far or prefer to have nature in your home, it is possible to buy orchids from Madagascar through our webshop.
