Bonatea boltonii
- Bonatea boltonii by Lourens Grobler
Description
Slender terrestrial of variable height, from 100 mm to 750 mm. Leaves 5-13, cauline, oblong to broadly spear-shaped, up to 178 mm long.The numbers of flowers is similarly variable, between 3 and 20. Leaves are cauline and broadly spear shaped. Inflorescence is the continuation of the stem. Flowers are green and white. Median sepal erect, up to 19 mm long. Lateral sepals slightly deflexed, up to 20 mm long. Petals divided, upper petal lobe up to 18 mm long. Lower petal lobe linear, spreading horizontally. Lip 3-lobed, from a short and narrow base. Spur somewhat swollen towards apex, up to 51 mm long. Similar to Bonatea antennifera but has shorter stigmatic arms with a spatula-shaped, deflexed stigma and Bonatea speciosa where it has a shorter club-shaped spur apex.
Distribution in South Africa
Rare but widespread, from the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape, most of KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga and into Limpopo.
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Typical habitat
Grows in grassland, savanna and dunes, from near sea level to 1900 m. Endemic to South Africa.
Flowering Period
This species typically flowers between August and September on the coast and from December to March elsewhere.
Distribution elsewhere in Africa
N/A.
Conservation Status
Rare. Click on the distribution map to see the latest conservation status also refer to Provincial Species List on this site for Provincial Red and Orange listing and SANBI Orchid red list.
All indigenous orchids are protected under South African legislation as well as CITES regulations.
References and additional information
Johnson, S.D., Bytebier, B., Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa.
La Croix, I.F., la Croix, E. (1997). African Orchids in the Wild and in Cultivation. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA.
This genus and species article was written by Duncan McFarlane and published 2019-05-03.
Proof read and edited by Karsten Wodrich.
Images
- Bonatea boltonii by Lourens Grobler
- Bonatea boltonii by Lourens Grobler
- Bonatea boltonii by Lourens Grobler