Brachycorythis pubescens

• Brachycorythis pubescens by Daniel Koen

Description

Moderately robust terrestrial which grows up to 600 mm tall. Numerous leaves are cauline and densely overlapping, hairy, spear-shaped and up to 60 x 20 mm. Inflorescence dense and hairy, up to 320 mm long. 45-110 flowers are hairy on the outside, light to deep pink suffused with Brownish green, callus yellow spotted with red. Sepals and petals form a hood over the column. Sepals up to 7 x 4 mm, petals up to 6 x 3 mm. Spur absent. Similar to Brachycorythis ovata ssp. ovata.

Distribution in South Africa

Central Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as southern KwaZulu Natal.  

 
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Typical habitat

Sporadic in grassland, from sea level to 2200 m. 

Flowering Period

This species typically flowers between October and January. 

Distribution elsewhere in Africa

Occurs throughout tropical Africa.  

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 orchids are protected under 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 Mc Farlane and published 2019-07-04.

Proof-read and published by Karsten Wodrich.

Images

• Brachycorythis pubescens by Daniel Koen

• Brachycorythis pubescens by Daniel Koen

• Bracycorythis pubescens by Lourens Grobler