Pterygodium inversum (Thunb.) Sw., Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 21: 218 (1800).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Ophrys inversa Thunb., Prodr. Pl. Cap.: 2 (1794).
Anochilus inversum (Thunb.) Rolfe in W.H.Harvey & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Cap. 5(2): 280 (1913).
Description:
A stout erect glabrous herb, 30-60 cm high; stem straight leafy; leaves 4-6, subdistichous lanceolate-sword-shaped lax, 6-10 cm. long, passing gradually into similar bracts; spike cylindrical densely many-fl., 3-4 cm. in diameter, bracts a little exceeding the ovaries, flowers somewhat nodding; side sepals superior posticous approximate reflexed lanceolate concave, inflated at base, together with the odd sepal and petals about 8 mm, long; odd sepal and petals reversed and hanging down in front of the flower, the sepal lanceolate vaulted, the petals oblong concave much larger than the sepals; limb of the lip superior ascending, transversely oblong, concave, crenulate clawed, about 3 mm, long; the appendix larger deflexed tongueshaped bilobed fleshy, about 5-6 mm, long; cells of the anther remote, situate at the ends of the arms of the rostellum; ovary cylindrical, twisted above.
Notes:
Colour of the flowers greenish yellow, with brown-purple stripes on the lip), and sometimes also on the petals; sepals and bracts green, or sometimes brown on the upper portion.
Habitat:
In well drained soils at elevations of 90 to 550 meters.
Distribution:
SW. Cape Prov.
Images:
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| Botanical Drawing / Herbarium |
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| Photograph copyright Swiss Orchid Foundation at the Herbarium Jany Renz Image used with kind permission. |
