In addition to grasses and coffee plants, orchids—of which around a thousand species have been classified—are part of Madagascar’s vast plant family. About 90% of these orchid species are endemic. Each vegetation zone hosts its own unique species, which can vary in color, size, and lifestyle. To showcase this diversity, we invite you on a virtual journey to discover the most beautiful orchids of Madagascar. Let yourself be captivated by the charm of the hanitriniala, or “forest fragrance.” Among the orchid species with magnificent blooms is the “Star of Madagascar,” an endemic species that grows primarily in coastal forests on sandy soils, both as a terrestrial and an epiphyte.
Plant use
Orchids, although primarily known for their beauty and diversity, have also been used in traditional medicine in certain cultures. However, research on the medicinal properties of orchids (Dendrobium) is still limited compared to other medicinal plants.
Key information
| Common name | Madagascar Orchid |
| Scientific name | Angraecum sesquipedale |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Natural habitat | Humid tropical forests, often at low altitudes |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | November to January |