Angraecum sesquipedale
At the moment Angraecum sesquipedale or more commonly know as Darwin’s orchid is in flower in the Orchid House of the National Botanic Gardens.
Darwin predicted the pollinator to be a moth with a 12″ proboscis. This fact was unverified until 21 years after Darwin’s death when it was discovered to be true.
The moth, Xanthopan morgani praedicta was found to be the official pollinator.
Angraecum sesquipedale is a native to the island of Madagascar.
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Hi Marie,
That is exciting to see one of the most iconic orchids in flower although I doubt if any of the famous moths will migrate their way to Glasnevin!