Angraecum darainense P. J. Cribb & Nusb. and Aeranthes unciformis P. J. Cribb & Nusb. (Orchidaceae), two new species from northern Madagascar

CRIBB, P., L. NUSBAUMER & L. GAUTIER (2012). Angraecum darainense P. J. Cribb & Nusb. and Aeranthes unciformis P. J. Cribb & Nusb. (Orchidaceae), two new species from northern Madagascar. Candollea 67: 269-275. In English. English and French abstracts. Two new orchid species, Angraecum darainense P. J. Cribb & Nusb. and Aeranthes unciformis P. J. Cribb & Nusb. (Orchidaceae) from northern Madagascar are described here, illustrated and compared with other species in their respective genera. Angraecum darainense appears to be related to Angraecum melanostictum Schltr., but differs in having flowers with a longer spur and leaves more densely arranged on the longer stems, leaf blade much shorter and narrower. Aeranthes unciformis appears to be related to Aeranthes caudata Rolfe, but differs by having flowers borne two or three at a time and having a very distinctive transversely elliptic lip tapering into a long acumen at the tip and a distinctive dorsal sepal curving forwards over the column and lip. The distribution, ecology and conservation status of these two orchids species are briefly discussed.