Disperis capensis (L.) Sw., Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 21: 220 (1800).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Arethusa capensis L., Pl. Rar. Afr.: 28 (1760).
Dipera capensis (L.) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 3: 696 (1826).
Description:
A slender species, 15-40 cm tall. Leaves two, alternate, 1 to 9 x 1 cm, narrowly lanceolate. Inflorescences 1- to 2-flowered. Flowers green-purple with magenta-purple petals, or green with yellow-green petals. Dorsal sepal to 30 mm long, with a long acumen, forming a hood with the petals. Lateral sepals somewhat reflexed, 12-35 mm long, narrowly lanceolate, long acuminate, each with a saclike spur 2-3 mm long in the basal half. Lip narrowly spathulate, hidden inside the hood.
Habitat:
Terrestrial in fynbos and in restio-veld, to 1000 m.
Phenology:
Blooms in the winter to early spring.
Key to the varieties of Disperis capensis (L.) Spreng.L.) Spreng.
Cultivation:
As for the genus, but in light shade. This species comes from the winter rainfall area and thus needs a dry rest in summer.
Distribution:
SW. & S. Cape Prov.
References:
A synopsis of the genus Disperis Sw. (Orchidaceae), ADANSONIA, sér. 3 - 2005 - 27 (2) : 155-207; A molecular phylogeny for the large African orchid genus Disa Bytebier 2006; Wild Orchids of Southern Africa Stewart, Linder, Schelpe & Hall 1982
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