Most orchids offered on our website originated from the Southeast Asia area. Many of our orchids are also purchased from experienced and reliable suppliers. Nevertheless, we also have a selection of orchid species, which originally came from Madagascar, but which we have purchased from suppliers in Thailand. These orchids are therefore not directly from Madagascar, but are naturally there. Madagascar is a country and an island in Africa with a very special own flora and fauna, because it is fairly isolated from the rest of the world. In the forests of Madagascar you can also find very unique orchids with special flowers. Madagascar has a very diverse landscape with all separate habitats that have supported the diversity of species of plants and the ideal conditions for the growth and distribution of orchids across the island.
Diversity and distribution
In Madagascar, more than a thousand species have been discovered so far. Many of those species are endemic, which means that they only occur on Madagascar and nowhere else in the world. Well -known orchid smells growing on Madagascar are Angraecum, Eulophiella, Aerangis and Bulbophyllum. One of the most interesting and unique orchids that contains the country is the Angraecum Sesquipedale. A nickname of this plant is "Ster van Bethlehem". The orchid has very long traces and has played an important role in the evolution theory of Charles Darwin.
Habitats and growing conditions
The orchids of Madagascar grow in very diverse habitats. Many epiphytic orchids grow in trees in the eastern rain forests. It is nice and moist for them and they benefit from the canopy of the trees that filters the light. In the western region it is drier and there are more terrestrial orchids. These orchids are used to dry and warm seasons. The various climates of the island provide a huge variety of species and growing conditions for orchids.
Culture and symbolism
In the culture of Madagascar, less is done with orchids than in South America or Southeast Asia, for example. Nevertheless, orchids are very much appreciated for, among other things, the beauty of the plants by the locals. Some species are used by residents for medicines or rituals. In addition, the island pulls many tourists and botanics through the special plants and animals that can be found there. In Madagascar there is therefore a lot of ecotourism.
Preservation and threats
Orchid species in Madagascar are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change. Deforestation for agriculture and animal husbandry in particular causes a great deal of destruction of many natural habitats for orchids. Many wild orchids are illegally collected for trade. That puts pressure on the populations in the wild.
Fortunately, there are increasingly strict controls in both nature and border controls that ensure that poaching is inhibited. In addition, there are various initiatives to protect the beautiful plants from Madagascar and to reintroduce in the wild. Botanical gardens, research institutions and nature conservation organizations are working hard to maintain orchids through research, protection of habitats and reintroduction projects. Working with the local communities is indispensable to promote sustainable practices and to create a greater awareness of the importance of maintaining these unique plants.
Orchids from Madagascar are not only beautiful to see, but they are also a symbol of the biodiversity of the landscape. The wide variety of species, color, growth and form of these orchids reflect the ecological wealth of Madagascar. Promoting sustainable breeding instead of poaching and preserving the natural habitats of these beautiful orchids is essential to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the beautiful nature and the beautiful orchids that Madagascar has to offer.
