The genus Disa is an extremely large genus comprising of 183 species. It is endemic to Africa with only one species extending into the Arabian peninsula. Most of the species can be found in the Cape floral region. Of the 183 species a total of 143 are found in South Africa and one in Swaziland. The best known and largest species of Disa is the red Disa or Disa uniflora. The dorsal sepal is hood shaped and has a single spur of varying length protruding from the back. Most species are terrestrial. Previously the genera Herschelianthe, Monadenia and Schizodium were considered separate to Disa but have recently been found to be so closely related to Disa that they have been included in the genus.
Johnson, S.D., Bytebier, B., Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa.
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