#Madagascar

• Aerangis — A genus of tropical epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native primarily to tropical Africa and Madagascar, structurally characterized by short stems, fleshy distichously arranged leaves, and pendulous inflorescences with star-shaped, white or translucent flowers that feature a long nectar spur and emit an intense fragrance during the night.
• Aërangis modesta — An elegant, medium-sized species of epiphytic orchid, endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. It is structurally characterized by glossy, obovate, bright-green leaves and spectacular pendulous spikes that can support up to 30 star-like, perfectly symmetrical white flowers, featuring short translucent spurs that emit a delicate, citrus-like fragrance during the night.
• Antananarivo — The capital and largest city of Madagascar, located in the central region of the island within the historical Analamanga province, at an altitude of approximately one thousand two hundred meters above sea level. Founded in the 17th century by King Andrianjaka, the city constitutes the administrative, economic, academic, and cultural center of the state, featuring a complex urban structure spread across hills that blends traditional Malagasy architecture with French colonial influences.
• Antsirabe — The third-largest city in Madagascar, located in the central highlands (Vakinankaratra region), renowned for its relatively cool climate, therapeutic thermal springs, well-preserved colonial architecture, and thriving local rickshaw industry.
• Antsiranana — A strategically highly important port city located at the northernmost tip of Madagascar, situated within a spectacular natural bay; historically known as Diego-Suarez, it represents the capital of the Diana region and a major commercial hub on the Indian Ocean.
• Aponogeton bernerianus — An endemic species of perennial aquatic plant from Madagascar, belonging to the genus Aponogeton, characterized by long, heavily crinkled, leathery, and bullate submerged leaves, adapted to fast-flowing, highly oxygenated mountain streams. It is an extremely rare and demanding species to cultivate ex-situ, protected in its natural habitats due to the degradation of river ecosystems.
• Aponogeton fenestralis — An archaic scientific name or major taxonomic synonym for the species Aponogeton madagascariensis, a famous perennial aquatic plant endemic to Madagascar, commonly known as the Madagascar lace plant. It is globally renowned due to the unique skeletonized morphology of its submerged leaves, which almost entirely lack mesophyll tissue between the veins, leaving a spectacular geometric, net-like lace pattern.
• Aponogeton henkelianus — An archaic scientific name or important taxonomic synonym for a rare variety of the species Aponogeton madagascariensis, an aquatic plant endemic to Madagascar, commonly known as the broad-leaved lace plant. It is distinguished by its large fenestrated leaves with an irregular network of veins and fine geometric perforations, being a particularly demanding plant in aquarium cultivation.
• Austronesian — Belonging to Austronesia, its inhabitants, or the languages spoken in this vast island region spanning Madagascar, the Malay Archipelago, the Pacific islands, and Taiwan; relating to a major family of structurally and historically related languages. As a noun, it represents a woman belonging to the native populations of these maritime territories.