Biology : |
Terrestrial herb 18-35 cm tall; tubers ovoid, 1,5x1 cm; leaf 1, basal, appressed to ground, ± orbicular, 2,5-4x2,5-3,5 cm, ± glabrous, dark green mottled with white, edges ciliate; stem, sheaths, bracts, sepals all pubescent; stem with 3-4 sheaths; inflorescence 4-11-flowered; flowers non resupinate, pale yellow; bracts lanceolate, to 9 mm long; pedicel and ovary ± arched, 10-12 mm long; dorsal sepal ovate, convex, 6-8x4 mm, laterals similar; petals 7-8 mm long, 2-lobed in apical 1/3, posterior lobe (= beside dorsal sepal) c. 3x3 mm; anterior lobe linear, 2,5-1 mm; lip upcurved, 8-10 mm long, 3-lobed halfway, lobes ± equal; spur 10-12 mm long, bent upwards, parallel to the flower but above it, apical 1/3 swollen. |
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Bibliography for Tropical Africa :
- EXELL, A. & WILD, H. (1995). Flora Zambesiaca: Mozambique, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Bechuanaland Protectorate. London Kew 11[1]: 127,129
Bibliography for Southern Africa :
- Fl. Pl. South Africa 29: t.1133 (1952).
- Énum. Pl. Fleurs Afr. Trop. 3: 137 (1995).
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