Species Data

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Asparagales

Family: Orchidaceae

Scientific Name: Aerangis seegeri

IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable

IUCN Species Range Map

 
 

Description

Aerangis seegeri is a climbing orchid which grows on the moss-coated trunks of trees. It is best identified by its fan-shaped leaves and pink or apricot coloured, star-shaped flowers. As an epiphyte, it is not parasitic in nature and causes no harm to the host tree. Growing at the lowest branches and below the tree line, this orchid is not reliant on direct sunlight to grow.

 
 

Climate and Range

Aerangis seegeri is endemic to the wet tropical forests of Madagascar, growing at elevations up to 1,100 metres above sea level. It is considered native to the eastern regions of Madagascar but has been introduced to other areas, including nearby small islands.

A view of Aerangis seegeri
 

Threats and Conservation

The current population of Aerangis seegeri is unknown. There has been a large reduction in this orchid’s range due to ongoing destruction of the eastern Madagascan evergreen forests as a result of clearing for agriculture, mining, and annual fire events. It is subsequently considered Vulnerable to extinction.

 
 

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