Madagascar : Paradise of orchidophils

The Large Island counts nearly 1.000 species of orchids of which 90% are endemic. New varieties are being indexed each year. Eulophiella roempleriana or Queen of Madagascar is one of the largest Malagasy orchid. Rare, it is endemic of Sainte-Marie island and flowers from September to November. The species is preserved and its gathering is prohibited. However the risk of disappearance of these ?Hanitriniala? or ?perfumes of nature? according to Domenica Karadjoff remains great. The orchids are victims not only of bush fires but are especially subject of commercial covetousnesses. According to certain estimates, they could be destroyed within twenty-five years if the current practices of plundering remain. 

Some useful sites for the orchidophiles or the laymen who would wish to make knowledge with this plant are :

http://www.hsm.mg/faune_flore.htm

http://www.madatours.com/curiosites/nature/orchidees.htm

http://www.madagascar-tourisme.com/orchids.htm

http://www.orchidwire.com/Earth/1/France.html

http://www.orchidees.fr/encyclopedie/dbsimple.php