Vanilla roscheri

• Vanilla roscheri by Lourens Grobler

Description

Robust liana of indeterminate length. Stem greenish-brown, cylindrical, succulent, up to 20mm in diameter, with a channel on either side and short roots arising from nodes. Leaves rudimentary, membranous, brown and green, up to 30mm long. Inflorescences terminal or axillary, up to 85 flowers, white with a pink throat. Petals and sepals spear-shaped to oblong, up to 80mm long. 

Distribution in South Africa

Only found in northern KwaZulu Natal.   

 
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Typical habitat

Very localised in coastal bushland, mangrove swamps and open evergreen scrub, near sea level.   

Flowering Period

This species typically flowers between January and February.   

Distribution elsewhere in Africa

Unknown.   

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 edited by Karsten Wodrich published 2019-05-24.

Images

• Vanilla roscheri by Lourens Grobler