Stenoglottis zambesiaca

• Stenoglottis zambesiaca by Lourens Grobler

Description

Very slender lithophyte, or rarely an epiphyte, up to 350mm tall. Leaves 6-12 in a basal rosette, strap to narrowly spear-shaped, uniformly covered or sometimes spotted, or slightly wavy. Inflorescsence lax, flowers lax, pale lilac or pink, lip darker and spotted. Column enclosed by petals. Spur absent. 

Distribution in South Africa

KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo.   

 
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Typical habitat

Rare on rocks and tree trunks, where humus has collected and moss is established, in mist-belt forests, from 1,300m to 2,500m.  

Flowering Period

This species typically flowers between February and April.  

Distribution elsewhere in Africa

Also found in Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.  

Conservation Status

Locally rare and therefor endangered.

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.

McMurtry, D., Grobler, L., Grobler, J., Burns, S., (2008). Field Guide to the Orchids of Northern South Africa. Umdaus Press.

 
This genus and species article was written by Duncan McFarlane, edited by Karsten Wodrich and published 2019-05-24.

Images

• Stenoglottis zambesiaca by Lourens Grobler