African Orchid Species Intro, Appearance and Characteristics

Orchids can be found all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Some of the most unique species, however, are found in Africa. These plants are usually much larger, and the blooms are extremely colorful.

The Acampe pachyglossa has flowers that are yellow with red spots and thick fleshy leaves. You'll be able to enjoy these flowers from late Summer all the way into the Winter since they bloom from August to December. In addition to Africa, they can also be found in India.

These plants typically grow at low latitudes. If you plan to add this species to your collection, make sure they have warm, humid conditions to live in. These sunlight loving plants can be a nice contrast to your shade dwelling orchids.

Another popular choice is the Angraecum distichum. They also prefer warm, humid conditions, as they are usually found in tropical Africa. These dwarf epiphytes grow tiny white flowers and can be found clinging to trees. A variation of these is the Angraecum magdalenae, which is found in Madagascar and prefers light shade. These plants are easy to care for and should do well in a long, cool, dry season.

This species will require plenty of light, and like most orchids, lots of air movement. They will yield long, green spurs and prefer a medium temperature range.

Another epiphyte found in tropical Africa is the Chamaengis. These plants really stand out with their beautiful orange flowers. Display these plants in a hanging pot so that their vines can droop down.

The next type is called Diaphananthe xanthopollinia, and is found in Central and southern Africa. It likes to be in moderate shade and produces green or green-yellow flowers. The fragrant blossoms will be abundant if planted in a potting medium such as bark chips. Be sure to provide good drainage as well.

In southern Africa, you will find the Microcoelia exilis. This plant is unique in that it has no leaves. Instead, it produces silver-gray roots and white flowers. In the absence of leaves, this plant will photosynthesize through the exposed roots.

The Mystacidium genus is native to eastern Africa. These plants prefer bright light and high humidity. They will produce fragrant white flowers in Autumn, if cared for correctly. The placement options are many for this plant since they are among the smallest of orchid species.

Also in eastern Africa, is the Neobenthamia. They can be found clinging to dry rock faces and cliff edges. They prefer plenty of sunshine with lots of heat and humidity. In Tanzania, the Neobenthamia gracilis produces clusters of purple flowers and long, thin leaves.

They're appearance resembles that of the Polystachya genus that makes up about 120 species. They are small and are found growing in tightly packed bunches. They too prefer humid conditions, and will grow well in a pot with bark chip bedding. Some will have light pink petals, and others will produce dark red labellum.

With the large variety of African orchids out there, you should have no trouble finding one that suits your tastes.

         

Orchid Species, Flowers and Plants Type