The DRC's extraordinary orchid diversity
The Congo Basin rainforest is one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. Within it, orchids are extraordinarily diverse — epiphytic species grow on the bark and branches of forest trees. Angraecum species, known for their star-shaped white flowers and powerful night-time fragrance, are among the most celebrated. Darwin predicted a moth with a foot-long proboscis must exist to pollinate Angraecum sesquipedale — decades later, it was discovered.
What is the national flower of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The orchid — particularly African tropical orchid species native to the Congo Basin — is the most widely cited national floral symbol of the DRC. The choice reflects the nation's identity as guardian of one of the world's greatest concentrations of plant life and biodiversity.
Growing African orchids in the UK
African tropical orchids from the Congo Basin require a heated greenhouse to thrive in the UK. Angraecum species need temperatures above 15°C year-round, high humidity, bright indirect light and careful watering. Grow in very free-draining bark-based compost. Many Angraecum species produce powerfully fragrant white flowers, particularly at night.
Flor nacional del Congo
La flor nacional de la República Democrática del Congo se asocia con las orquídeas del bosque tropical congoleño. El Congo alberga uno de los mayores bosques tropicales del mundo, con una diversidad de orquídeas extraordinaria. La orquídea de Darwin (Angraecum sesquipedale) es uno de sus representantes más célebres.