Brachycorythis disoides (Ridl.) Kraenzl., Orchid. Gen. Sp.: 543 (1898).
Homotypic Names:
Habenaria disoides Ridl., J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 21: 511 (1885).
Diplacorchis disoides (Ridl.) Schltr., Beih. Bot. Centralbl. 38(2): 131 (1921).
Gyaladenia disoides (Ridl.) Szlach., Richardiana 6: 81 (2006).
Description:
Plants upright, stocky, 15-30 cm. tall; stem densely leafy. Leaves cauline, oval-acuminate (2.5-5 x 1-1.2cm.). Raceme semi-dense, short (7.5 - 15cm.) and thick; bracts oval-acuminate, basal ones longer than the pedicels; flowers purplish, rose or whitish-rose. Sepals obtuse, free, median lanceolate, laterals narrowly oblong. Petals similar to the lateral sepals. Labellum oblong, obtuse, contracted basally; calluses 1mm. tall; spur short (5mm. long x 2mm. wide) compressed, recessed basally, bilobed with the lobules angular-acute. Anther slightly obovate, 2.5mm. long; viscidium flat, orbicular; staminodes narrow, situated slightly above the anther; rostellum very flat truncate apically.
Habitat:
In prairies, seepages and steep slopes at elevations of 1400 to 2000 meters.
Phenology:
Flowering from December-March.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus.
Distribution:
C. Madagascar
References:
Flora of Madagascar: vascular plants: 49th family, Orchids / by H. Perrier de La Bathie; published under the auspices of the government of Madagascar and under the direction of H. Humbert; English revision and translation by Steven D. Beckman; Field Guide to the Orchids of Madagascar Cribb & Herman 2009
Images:
Click on each image to see a larger version.

In culture
Brachycorythis disoides close up
Photograph© Olaf Pronk.
Image used with kind
permission.