Orchid of the day: Angraecum sesquipedale

Angraecum sesquipedale

I posted about our Angraecum sesquipedale last year (January 27th 2014) and I do recommend for those interested to refer to my earlier post for some background information. Briefly though, this orchid originates from Madagascar and needs a special moth (Xanthopan morganii) to pollinate it as you can see the long extended spur on each of the two flowers. 

A) December 14th 2014, we noticed a prominent flower stem growing out of the leaves.

Initially we expected two flower stems to grow out of the leaves but only one flower stem became fully developed. Angraecum sesquipedale orchids are monopodial orchids, meaning they grow upwards from a single point and they tend to produce a lot of aerial roots.

B) A different angle of the the flower stem with two developing flower buds.

C) By January 14th 2015, the spurs from the two flowers are clearly protruding out. 

D) Up close of the developing flowers. Interesting looking, aren't they?

E) The spurs began to straightened out by January 31st.

F) They remind me of swans at this point.

G) February 18th, 2015. Both flowers are completely open. The one to the right opened at least one week earlier and due to the severe cold weather we have been having and less humidity in the house, you can see that the two petal tips are browning a little.

H) The width of the flower from right to left is ~ 6.5 inches while the spurs are ~ 1 feet in length.

This amazing looking orchid is a wonder to me. I love the fact that they still exist in the wild andthat they need a highly specialize means of pollinating, i.e. that one particular moth species. The environment is precious and we share the world with so many amazing living beings. Okay, getting off my soapbox now. Hope you had a good read.