Disperis saxicola Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 110 (1924).
Description:
Terrestrial herb 6-25 cm high; tubers 2, elongate. Leaves 3, alternate, the lowest just above the middle of the stem, the lamina 2.4-6 × 1- 2.8 cm, ovate, acute, rounded to subcordate at the base, upper leaves amplexicaul, the basal with a short petiole c. 3 mm long that forms a sheath round the stem 6-7 mm long. Inflorescence 2-5- flowered; bracts lanceolate or ovate, acute, up to 10 mm long. Flowers purplish or pink; ovary and pedicel 7-9 mm long. Dorsal sepal 8 mm long, narrowly linear; lateral sepals free to the base, 8-11 × 5 mm, obliquely elliptic, each with a sac-like spur at about the middle. Petals 5-8 × 2-3.2 mm, adnate to the dorsal sepal and forming an oblong hood 6-8 mm high, 4.5 mm wide. Lip joined to the column for 2 mm, the margin more or less dilated on each side to form 2 lobes, the free part suddenly enlarged into a heart-shaped lamina 3 mm high and wide, Papillose pubescent towards the top but glabrous at the base, with a glabrous stipe arising from the sinus on the anterior side bearing a kidneyshaped appendage 1.5-2,5 mm long, Papillose pubescent on upper surface, slightly recurved. Rostellum broad with 2 short arms c. 1 mm long.
Habitat:
In humus in dense forest, and among shaded rocks; 400-1000 m.
Distribution:
NC. & SE.Madagascar
