Bonatea pulchella

Description

Slender terrestrial up to 320mm tall. Leaves 5-9, basal leaves in a rosette of 2-5, cauline leaves few and narrowly spear-shaped. Inflorescence lax, with 2-11 flowers, which are white and back of sepals and spur green. Median sepal erect, petals divided, lip 3-lobed from a narrow base, spur swollen towards apex, up to 70mm long. 

Distribution in South Africa

Northern Kwa Zulu Natal and Mpumulanga.   

 
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Typical habitat

Occasional in coastal forest and thicket, growing in shade, from near sea level to 800m.

Flowering Period

This species typically flowers between May and July.   

Distribution elsewhere in Africa 

Also found in Mozambique.  

Conservation Status

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 2019-05-02.
Proof read and edited by Karsten Wodrich.

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