Disperis capensis var. capensis.
Heterotypic Synonyms:
Dipera tenera Spreng., Syst. Veg. 3: 696 (1826).
Disperis graminifolia Banks ex Steud., Nomencl. Bot., ed. 2, 1: 520 (1840).
Disperis capensis var. tenera (Spreng.) Sond., Linnaea 19: 112 (1847).
Disperis tenera (Spreng.) Bolus, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 19: 346 (1882).
Description:
Differs from the typical variety in the smaller habit, the boat-shaped median sepal and the absence of the lip appendage. The sepal caudae are only 2.5-3 mm long. Found in the same area as the typical variety and often together with it. The reduction of floral structures may indicate a step in its evolution to autogamy.
Habitat:
On damp sandstone in seepage areas at eleavtions of 10 to 1100 meters.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus, cold growing terrestro-lithophyte.
Distribution:
SW. & S. Cape Prov.
References:
Orchids of Southern Africa Linder & Kurzwell 1999; Wild Orchids of Southern Africa Stewart, Linder, Schelpe & Hall 1982
Images:
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