Disperis pusilla Verdc., Kew Bull. 22: 94 (1968).
Description:
Dwarf terrestrial herb 2.5–4 cm high; tubers ellipsoid or globose, 5–14 × 3–7.5 mm, woolly. Stem densely covered with papillae-like hairs. Leaf 1, basal, 6–8 × 6–10 mm, broadly ovate or orbicular, sessile, sheathing at base, densely papillose on upper surface and edge. Inflorescence 1-flowered.Flowers deep yellow, almost orange, or dull yellow-brown, sometimes purple-tinged. Ovary 8 mm long, pubescent; bract leaf-like, c. 7 × 3 mm. Dorsal sepal 8 × 1.8 mm, linear-lanceolate, forming open hood with petals, c. 7.5 mm across mouth. Lateral sepals 6 × 3.5 mm, free, semi-orbicular, with sacs 0.8 mm long. Petals 8 × 2.8 mm, oblong-linear, falcate. Lip claw bent back on itself shortly above column and expanded into a papillate, triangular limb 3.5 mm long, 2 mm wide, produced apically into a narrow tip.
Habitat:
In grassland, woodland and bog from 1650 to 2400 m. Flowering mainly in November and December but also in May.
Distribution:
Kenya to Zambia
