Malaxis katangensis var. pygmaea (Summerh.) P.J.Cribb, Kew Bull. 32: 739 (1978).
Homotypic Synonyms:
Malaxis pygmaea Summerh., Bot. Mus. Leafl. 14: 223 (1951).
Lisowskia katangensis var. pygmaea (Summerh.) Marg., Ann. Naturhist. Mus. Wien, B 109: 193 (2007 publ. 2008).
Description:
Dwarf, mostly terrestrial orchid with creeping rhizomes or fusiform tuberous roots, broad plicate (pleated) leaves and terminal inflorescences, flowering with the leaves. The flowers are small and the lip (the unpaired petal) is without a spur. Dorsal sepal 1.7–1.9 mm long, lateral sepals 1.3 mm long; petals 1.3–1.5 mm long; lip 1.3 mm long. Column 0.4 mm long. Differs from the typical variety in the smaller size of the flower.
Habitat:
Woodland c. 1400 m.
Distribution:
W. Zambia
References:
Cribb, P.J. (1978). A synopsis of Malaxis (Orchidaceae) in Africa Kew Bulletin 32(4) Pages 739 - 740.; La Croix, I. & Cribb, P.J. (1995). Orchidaceae (Part 1) Flora Zambesiaca 11(1) Page 283.
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