Cynorkis brevicalcar P.J.Cribb, Kew Bull. 40: 399 (1985).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Bicornella brevicalcar (P.J.Cribb) Szlach. & Kras, Richardiana 6: 143 (2006).
Description:
Terrestrial herb 5–21 cm tall. Tubers up to 2 cm long, ovoid, villous. Basal leaves 1–2, 25–45 × 7–13 mm, ovate to elliptic, glabrous; peduncle leaves usually 1, sheathing, c. 10 mm long. Peduncle 7–16 cm long, glabrous. Inflorescence 1.5–5 cm long, densely 4–many-flowered, flowers sometimes secund; bracts 4–12 mm long, lanceolate, acute; ovary and pedicel 6–10 mm long, semi-erect, arched at top, purple, sparsely glandular-hairy. Flowers small, white or very pale pink, the lip with purple spots; scented. Dorsal sepal 2–3 × 2 mm, ovate, acute, very convex; lateral sepals 4–6 × 1.8–2.5 mm, obliquely ovate, spreading. Petals 2 × 1 mm, falcate, forming hood with dorsal sepal. Lip 3–6 × 1–2 mm, ligulate, acute, with 2 obscure teeth less than 1 mm long at base. Spur 1–1.5 mm long, straight or slightly incurved. Column 1–1.5 mm long, erect.
Habitat:
Seepage slopes and wet areas in montane grassland, often with underlying rock slabs 1700–2310 m.
Distribution:
Malawi (Mt. Mulanje)
