Centrostigma clavatum Summerh.

Orchidaceae, I. la Croix and P.J. Cribb. Flora Zambesiaca 11:1. 1995

Morphology General Habit

A robust terrestrial herb, drying dark brown; tubers ellipsoid.

Morphology Stem

Stem leafy; leaves 6–7, the lowest 2–3 sheathing, the largest in the middle, semi-erect, up to c. 14 × 2 cm, lanceolate, acute, ribbed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence 5–32 cm long, ± lax, up to 18-flowered; ovary c. 35 mm long, pedicel 25 mm long; bracts leaf-like, up to 9.5 cm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers white, greenish-cream or greenish-yellow.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Dorsal sepal 16.5–20 × 11–13 mm, convex, ovate, erect; lateral sepals 20–22.5 × 5–6.5 mm, spreading; apical parts of sepals puberulous.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 17–20 × 5–6 mm, ciliolate in upper half, lying ± inside dorsal sepal.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Labellum

Lip 3-lobed, claw 4–4.5 mm long, attached to base of column and lateral sepals; mid-lobe 20–30 × 1.5–3 mm, linear, deflexed; lateral lobes swept forwards, 25–35 × 2–4 mm, with pectinations c. 5 mm long in apical half.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Spur

Spur 5.5–7.5 cm long, swollen at apex, usually tucked into the bract.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anther 10–11 mm high; canals 18 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Stigma

Upper branch of stigma 12.5–14 mm long, papillose at apex, lower branch 8–9 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Labellum Auricle

Auricles 1.5–2 mm long.