Angraecum

The name of the Angraecum is derived from the Malay word "Anggrek," which is used to describe several species of epiphytic orchids. Angraecum is a genus with about 220 species, most of which are found in tropical Africa and Madagascar. However, these orchids can also be found in Comoros, Seychelles and Mascarenes. They occur between sea level and 2,000 meters in humid areas. Most Angraecum are epiphytes, but some are lithophytes. The flowers grow in clusters from the leaf axils and, usually, give off a very intense scent at night. They are mostly white, but a few are yellow, green or ochre colored. Furthermore, all flowers of the species in this genus have a long spur at the back of the lip. Because Angraecum is adapted to dry tropical forests, they generally have rather fleshy leaves.