Summerhayesia zambesiaca P.J.Cribb, Kew Bull. 32: 185 (1977).
Description:
Stems short, 2.5 cm long; roots stout, to 6 mm in diameter, arising at base of stem. Leaves three to seven, to 14 x 1.5 cm, distichous, linear, folded, recurved, thick-textured, rather yellowish-green, borne in a fan. Inflorescences arising from lower leaf axils, erect or arching downwards, 12-15 cm long, 4- to 5-flowered, the terminal flower opening first. Pedicel and ovary 2 cm long, twisted where it joins the racbis. Flowers fleshy, nonresupinate, set 2-4 cm apart, creamy yellow, the ovary and outside of sepals and petals scattered with short, sparse, rusty hairs. Dorsal sepal 13-14 x 6 mm, ovate; lateral sepals similar but slightly shorter and oblique, with an extension on the lower side at the base by which they are joined for 4 mm under the spur. Petals 11-12 x 5-5.5 mm, ovate, acute, spreading. Lip 11-12 x 5.5-6 mm, very concave, boat-shaped, acute, fleshy. Spur 16-20 cm long, pendent, straight, very slender. Column 3 mm long.
Habitat:
Usually epiphytic at high level in open woodland with high rainfall and a long dry season, sometimes also in rainforest, sometimes lithophytic, 600-700 m.
Cultivation:
This species can be mounted on bark, at intermediate temperatures, but it might do better slightly warmer. It needs high humidity in the growing season, but to be kept fairly dry in winter and in fairly bright light.
Distribution:
Tanzania to S. Trop. Africa
References:
Malawi Orchids La Croix 1983; African Orchids In the Wild and Cultivation La Croix 1997; Flora Zambesiaca Vol 11 Part 2 Pope 1998; Angraecoid Orchids Stewart, Hermans & Campbell 2006; WCSP (2017). 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 15.03.2017; http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
Images:
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| In culture | In culture |
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| Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission. | Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission. |
