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Disperis cordata Sw., Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 21: 218 (1800).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Arethusa cordata (Sw.) Poir. in J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl., Suppl. 1: 444 (1811).
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Dryopeia discolor Thouars, Hist. Orchid.: t. 3 (1822).
Dryorkis erythrodrys Thouars, Hist. Orchid.: t. 2 (1822), nom. superfl.
Disperis discolor (Thouars) Frapp. ex Cordem., Fl. Réunion: 254 (1895).
Description:
A slender glabrous terrestrial herb, 8-20 cm tall. Stem violet. Tubers 2, subsphaerical or ovoid, pubescent, 0.7-1,2 cm long. Leaves 2, alternate, sessile, narrowly ovate or ovate, acute at the apex, cordate or amplexicaul at the base, (1-)1.5-3.7 × 0.7-1.4 cm, the lowermost inserted in the basal quarter to middle of the stem; upper surface dull green with a median pale nerve; lower face violet. Inflorescence 1-2(-3)-flowered; floral bracts broadly ovate, cordate, foliaceous, the lowermost much larger, 0.8-1.5 cm long. Flowers rose-coloured or white with a streak of purple on the petals, dorsal sepal with some violet spots on the inner face towards the base. Dorsal sepal linear, one-nerved, 7-8 mm long; lateral sepals obliquely ovate, obtuse, 7-10 × 4-4.5 mm, 5-nerved, united at the base for about half their length, each furnished towards the inner margin with a short obtuse spur. Petals obliquely ovate, forming with the dorsal sepal a slightly concave hood, 8 × 6-6.5 mm. Lip adnate to the column, linear and ascending in the basal part, the terminal part free, bifid at the base, with slender arcuate branches, 1.5 mm long, tomentose-papillose; the terminal appendage ovate, 1-1.5 mm long, curved on the upper surface and bearing a yellow tomentose indumentum, stalked, the stalk linear, flat, 2-2.2 mm long. Rostellar arms 1.5 mm long, slightly dilated at the apex.
Habitat:
Under trees in semi-dry forest; 400-1500 m.
Phenology:
Flowering mainly from December to March.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus.
Distribution:
La Réunion, Mauritius; endemic to the Mascarenes.
References:
The genus Disperis (Orchidaceae) in Madagascar, the Comores, the Mascarenes and the Seychelles, ADANSONIA, sér. 3-2002 -24 (1) : 55-87; Historie Particuliere des Plantes Orchidees Recueillies Sur Trois Iles Australes D'Afrique Thouars; A synopsis of the genus Disperis Sw. (Orchidaceae), ADANSONIA, sér. 3 - 2005 - 27 (2) : 155-207
Images:
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Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.	Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission.