Eulophia speciosa
- Eulophia speciosa by Duncan Mc Farlane
Description
Robust terrestrial, up to 900mm tall. Partly visible pseudobulbs sometimes evident. Leaves succulent, fully developed at flowering time, up to 650 mm long. Inflorescence lax, with 10-30 flowers. Sepals pale green, petals and lip yellow, lip side lobes with purple lines, crests deep yellow. Sepals reflexed, up to 13 mm long, lip 3-lobed, spur up to 3 mm long. Pollinated by carpenter bees. Syn: Eulophia austrooccidentalis, Eulophia leucantha, Eulophia wakefieldii.
Distribution in South Africa
In a wide band right through Limpopo and Mpumulanga, to over 50% of KwaZulu Natal and finally in a narrow band through the coastal part of the Eastern Cape and just into the Western Cape.
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Typical habitat
Common along the coast in open to rather sheltered places in bushveld, occasional from inland localities in valley bushveld, to the thorny bush of the Lowveld and in mountain grassland, from near sea level to 900 m.
Flowering Period
This species typically flowers between October and January.
Distribution elsewhere in Africa
Widespread into Africa to our north.
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 Mc Farlane and on 2019-12-17.Proof-read and edited by Karsten Wodrich.
Images
- Eulophia speciosa by Duncan Mc Farlane
- Eulophia speciosa by Duncan Mc Farlane
- Eulophia speciosa by Duncan Mc Farlane
- Eulophia speciosa by Duncan Mc Farlane