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Eulophia - 3 Gauteng Early Flowering species

 

It is not commonly known that the orchid family is one of the largest on the planet, numbering some 25 000 species of flowering plants. Of these 466 occur in South Africa alone. It does not appear that many people know that there are some 40 orchid species recorded in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

About 90% of all the world's orchids grow as epiphytes (air plants) in trees in the tropical areas where temperatures are warm and constant and the humidity is high.

Gauteng Eulophia species plus a Disa and a Satyrium

Eulophia ovalis, Disa aconitoides, Satyrium cristatum

 

This article will describe the Eulophia ovalis (pink flowers), the distinctive and fairly rare Disa aconitoides and a version of the fairly widespread Satyrium cristatum. There are in fact 4 species each of Disa and Satyrium that have been recorded historically in Gauteng, but those covered in this article are the only species that still appear to be locatable.

Two more early flowering Eulophias and the only winter flowering orchid

 

In my first article, I dealt with three of the earliest flowering orchids, all Eulophias. In this article, I will cover a further 2 early flowering Eulophias and for the first time, a Bonatea. The Eulophias hereroensis is distinctive due to having 3 erect sepals resembling rabbit ears. The Eulophias streptopetala has pseudobulbs that are partially above the ground (similar to a Cymbidium) and large pleated leaves. The Bonatea porrecta is unique in that it flowers from late in June, when the leaves have already withered. As before, all are terrestrial orchids (grow in the ground).

Three Rare and Endangered Orchid Species from Gauteng

 

This article will feature 3 of the more rare species growing in our area, being the Holothrix randii, with it's distinct spidery appearance, Brachycorythis ovata (4 species from this genus have been recorded historically in Gauteng) and Eulophia cooperi, which is endemic to Gauteng and in to south western Mpumulanga. As with all orchids in Gauteng, these 3 species are terrestrial orchids (grow in the ground).

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