Disperis oppositifolia var. mascarenensis Bosser, Adansonia, III, 24: 62 (2002).
Description:
The morphology of the flower of this variety is very similar to that of typical D. oppositifolia with the elongated lateral sepals united and contracted into a narrow cuneiform base. However, the features of the terminal appendage of the lip are distinctive. This appendage is also trilobed but it has longer papillae; the upper side of the mid-lobe is glabrous and lacks any short, dense, Papillose hairs. Moreover, rounded side lobules frame the base of the mid-lobe. The inflorescence also has many more flowers, up to 12.
Habitat:
Under trees in light, semi-dry forest of the west; c. 500 m.
Notes:
The morphology of the flower of this variety is very similar to that of typical Disperis oppositifolia with the elongated lateral sepals united and contracted into a narrow cuneiform base. However, the features of the terminal appendage of the lip are distinctive. This appendage is also trilobed but it has longer papillae; the upper side of the mid-lobe is glabrous and lacks any short, dense, papillose hairs. Moreover, rounded side lobules frame the base of the mid-lobe. The inflorescence also has many more flowers, up to 12.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus.
Distribution:
La Réunion and Mauritius, endemic to the Mascarenes. Found only in Ravine Grande Chaloupe on La Réunion, where the typical variety also grows. From Mauritius a single specimen, Commerson s.n., has been seen.
References:
The genus Disperis (Orchidaceae) in Madagascar, the Comores, the Mascarenes and the Seychelles, ADANSONIA, sér. 3-2002 -24 (1) : 55-87
Images:
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| Habitat/In situ | Habitat/In situ |
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| Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission. |
Photograph ©Frederic Henze. Image used with kind permission. |
