Polystachya ottoniana
- Polystachya ottoniana by Lourens Grobler
Description
Very slender epiphyte or lithophyte, up to 150mm tall. Pseudobulbs adjacent, often forming long chains, conical, up to 25mm high. Leaves 2 or 3, linear to strap-shaped, up to 130mm long. Inflorescence lax, as tall as the leaves, simple and hairy, 1-5 flowers, cream or white, lip with central yellow marking. Sepals subequal; median sepal narrowly oblong up to 13mm long, lateral sepals 13mm long, petals narrowly spatula to spear shaped up to 11mm long, lip 3-lobed up to 12mm long, 8.5mm wide. Hybridizes with Polystachya transvaalensis.
Distribution in South Africa
Limpopo, Mpumulanga, Kwa Zulu Natal and down the coast of the Eastern Cape and into the Western Cape.
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Typical habitat
Common in a variety of forested habitats and often forming large mats on tree trunks and rocks, from sea level to 1800m.
Flowering Period
This species typically flowers between August and December.
Distribution elsewhere in Africa
Also found in Zimbabwe.
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 2019-11-25.
Proof-read and published by Karsten Wodrich.
Images
- Polystachya ottoniana by Lourens Grobler
Version 1.2
Read carefully the notes
