Cynorkis compacta Rchb.f., Flora 71: 149 (1888).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Bicornella compacta (Rchb.f.) Szlach. & Kras, Richardiana 6: 143 (2006).
Description:
Tubers ovoid or elongated. Leaf one, to 8 cm long, ovate- oblong, acute, erect or horizontal. Inflorescences to 20 cm high, several- flowered, lacking pairs. Flowers small, white, the tip with some purple-red spots. Dorsal sepal 4 x 2-3 mm, erect, ovate, convex; lateral sepals spreading, slightly longer. Petals 4 mm long, forming a hood with the dorsal sepal. Lip with three to five lobes, 9 x 9 mm across basal lobes. All lobes wider towards the apex, which is rounded; basal lobes much larger than apical lobes; spur 3 mm long, parallel to the ovary.
Habitat:
Ngongoni and mistbelt grassland. Rocky crevices, cliffs and outcrops, 400-1500 m.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal
References:
Linder, H.P. and Kurzweil, H. 1999. Orchids of southern Africa. A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam; African Orchids in the Wild and Cultivation La Croix 1997; Notes taxonomiques sur des Orchidacées d'Afrique centrale. VIII D. Geerinck, Bulletin du Jardin botanique national de Belgique / Bulletin van de National Plantentuin van België, Vol. 52, No. 1/2 (Jun. 30, 1982), pp. 141-149; New Orchids from South Central Africa P. J. Cribb, Kew Bulletin, Vol. 32, No. 1 (1977), pp. 137-187
Images:
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| In culture |
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| Photograph© Lourens Grobler. Image used with kind permission. |
