1.

Aerangis mystacidii

2.

Angraecum sacciferum

3.

Angraecum pusillum

4.

Bonatea speciosa

5.

Bulbophyllum scaberulum

6.

Cyrtorchis arcuata

7.

Diaphananthe millarii

8.

Diaphananthe xanthopollinia

9.

Eulophia speciosa

10.

Eulophia streptopetala

11.

Mystacidium capense

12.

Mystacidium flanaganii

13.

Mystacidium gracile

14.

Mystacidium venosum

15.

Polystachya ottoniana

16.

Polystachya pubescens

17.

Polystachya sandersonii

18.

Stenoglottis fimbriata var. fimbriata

19.

Tridactyle bicaudata ssp bicaudata

20.

Tridactyle tridentata

References:

1.

Aerangis mystacidii:

Distribution:

Southern & Eastern Coast of South Africa and Mpumalanga, into Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania

Found growing on the lower trunk and branches of trees in deep shade.

Bears long pendulous inflorescences of white flowers in February which are fragrant at dusk. Beautiful.

Cultivation:

Grow mounted on a log in a shadehouse with 70-80% shade. Requires moist growing conditions in summer and a dry winter rest period between May – August, with just an occasional misting.

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References

2.

Angraecum sacciferum:

Distribution:

Southern & Eastern Cape, Natal, Swaziland, Mpumalanga & Northern Province. Also found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Zaire & Cameroon.

Found in cool moist coastal & mountain forests growing in dense shade.

A small species which bears numerous short inflorescences of yellowish-green flowers. Flowering time is variable Sept – March.

Cultivation:

Angraecum sacciferum is not easy to grow. Grow mounted on a log in a shadehouse under 80% shade. Water twice a week during summer and once a week during winter. Always water plants early in the morning to allow the plants to dry before nightfall.

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References

3.

Angraecum pusillum:

Distribution:

Southern & Eastern Coast of South Africa, the eastern part of Northern Province and in Swaziland.

Often found growing on Schotia Latifolia.

A miniature species, only growing to 10cm, with tiny white flowers which appear from Sept – March and can last for up to a month before withering.

Cultivation:

Angraecum pusillum is slow growing and considered difficult to grow. Grow mounted on a log which should be suspended horizontally for optimum results. Will also grow as a lithophyte. Grow under 50-60% shade. Water plants frequently in summer and allow a short dry period between June – August.

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References

4.

Bonatea speciosa:

Distribution:

Eastern part of South Africa.

A terrestrial species found growing in dense coastal scrub or forest margins. Bears an upright inflorescence of green and white flowers in July.

Cultivation:

During wet, humid weather, bacterial rot is a persistent problem. Ensure that the leaves are kept dry throughout the growing season, neither misting them nor allowing any splashes of water on the leaves during watering. Also ensure good air circulation.

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References

5.

Bulbophyllum scaberulum:

Distribution:

Widespread in Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zaire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In South Africa it occurs on the eastern coast and eastern part of Northern Province.

Grows in a wide variety of habitats from Acacia trees to quartzite rocks.

Each pseudobulb bears a single inflorescence of purple flowers from October – November which are most unusual.

Cultivation:

Grow mounted on a log which is suspended horizontally under 60% shade. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering in winter.

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References

6.

Cyrtorchis arcuata:

Distribution:

Very common in South Africa and also widespread in Africa, where several subspecies have been recognised.

A robust species found in forested localities, normally growing high up in the trees. Bears several arching inflorescences of large white flowers in spring which are sweetly scented at night.

Cultivation:

A highly adaptable species which is easy to grow. A good plant for the novice grower. Grow mounted on a log or plant into a wooden slatted basket in coarse pine bark. Grow under 60% shade or hang it in a tree where it will grow quite happily. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering in winter.

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References

7.

Diaphananthe millarii:

Distribution:

Plants have only been found near East London and Durban.

A rare species found growing on the lower branches and twigs of trees overhanging or near to streams. Formerly known as Mystacidium millarii, it has recently been transferred to the genus Diaphananthe. Several short inflorescences appear from November – December/January and form a compact cluster of flowers around the stem of the plant. A distinct feature of the flowers is the green anther cap. When not in flower this plant is similar in appearance to Aerangis mystacidii.

Cultivation:

Grow mounted on a log which should be suspended horizontally for optimum results, under 70-80% shade. Provide high humidity levels in summer. Plants should be given a dryer winter rest period.

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References

8.

Diaphananthe xanthopollinia:

Distribution:

Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal, but widespread in Central Africa, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya and Uganda.

This species develops a long stem of 30-45cm and grows into clumps forming an untidy mass. The pendant inflorescences carry up to 25 yellowish, semi-transparent flowers. Flowering time: February – May.

Cultivation:

Grow mounted on a log under 75% shade. Water plants frequently in summer and ensure a high level of humidity.

Reduce watering during the winter months. Keep a watchful eye for scale infestations.

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References

9.

Eulophia speciosa:

Distribution:

Widespread in Africa from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania through to South Africa where it is found in the coastal areas of Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and inland into Swaziland, the Northern Province and Mpumalanga.

A terrestrial species found growing in grassland on or near coastal dunes. This is a robust plant bearing an inflorescence with a length of up to 1 metre which carries up to 30 bright yellow flowers. Flowering lasts for up to 3 months and begins in September. Eulophia speciosa is the SAOC emblem.

Cultivation:

Can be grown in the garden or large containers in sunny to semi-shaded positions. Water frequently in summer and once a month during winter months.

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References

10.

Eulophia streptopetala:

Distribution:

Widespread in Central, Southern and Eastern Africa. In South Africa it is found in Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland, the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the North Eastern part of North West Province.

A terrestrial species growing in forest margins and bears an inflorescence up to 230cm high carrying up to 100 yellow and purplish-brown flowers between October – January.

Cultivation:

Grow in large pots in shade house under 60-80% shade. Water frequently in summer. Reduce watering and stop feeding from April onwards. The pseudobulbs are similar to those of cymbidiums and grow above the ground. Good drainage and air movement is essential.

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References

11.

Mystacidium capense:

Distribution:

Southern and Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga.

Found in dry savannah areas often growing on Acacia and Euphorbia trees, where large colonies may cover the entire branch surface. A most attractive species bearing several inflorescences of white flowers from November – January which are heavily scented at night.

Cultivation:

Mystacidium capense is easy to grow and a good choice for the novice grower. Grow mounted on a log under 50% shade. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering during winter months. Plants do very well when hung under a shading tree in the garden.

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References

12.

Mystacidium flanaganii:

Distribution:

Widely distributed in cool moist forests in Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland, Mpumalanga and the eastern parts of Northern Province.

A dwarf species which grows to 3cm in height. Usually found growing on twigs and small branches of yellowwood trees. Pendent inflorescences bear small yellow-green flowers between November and March.

Cultivation:

Mystacidium flanaganii is difficult to grow and does not transplant so should be left on the twigs or mounts on which it presently grows. Removing the plant from its mount will invariably lead to its death. The plants need a dry winter rest period June – August.

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References

13.

Mystacidium gracile:

Distribution:

Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Kwazulu Natal and around East London and Port Elizabeth.

A small species which is often entirely leafless. Found growing on small branches and twigs in the understorey of forested areas. Flowers are yellow-green. Flowering time: October.

Cultivation:

Mystacidium gracile is difficult to grow. Grow mounted on thin logs under 80% shade. Water regularly in summer and reduce watering in winter months.

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References

14.

Mystacidium venosum:

Distribution:

Eastern part of Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Swaziland, Kwazulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Grows in a variety of habitats from cool moist mountain forests – warm coastal scrub and often found in exposed positions. White flowers which are fragrant at night appear in May.

Cultivation:

Grow mounted on a log under 60% shade. Water regularly in summer and reduce watering in winter.

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References

15.

Polystachya ottoniana:

Distribution:

Widespread in the eastern part of South Africa and Swaziland.

Found in cooler forests as well as warmer coastal forests. May also be found growing on rocks.

This common species is extremely variable in terms of growth and flower size and colour. Flowers appear between August – December and the colour varies from white, white suffused with pink and yellow to yellow-green.

Cultivation:

Polystachya ottoniana is easy to grow. Grow mounted on a log under 60-70% shade. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering in winter.

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References

16.

Polystachya pubescens:

Distribution:

Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Swaziland.

Often found growing on rocks in lightly shaded forest areas. Bears spikes of golden yellow flowers from September – December and the flowers can last for up to a month.

Cultivation:

Polystachya pubescens is easy to grow. Grow mounted on a log or a rock under 60% shade. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering in winter.

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References

17.

Polystachya sandersonii:

Distribution:

Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Swaziland

Shade loving epiphyte, favouring moist riverine forests. An easy to grow species which bears yellowish-green flowers suffused with dark brown, from October – December.

Cultivation:

A good choice for the novice grower. Grow mounted on a log under 60% shade. Water regularly in summer and reduce watering in winter.

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References

18.

Stenoglottis fimbriata var. fimbriata:

Distribution:

Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern parts of Northern Province and also in Swaziland, Malawi and Tanzania.

Found growing in shady forests and cliff faces. They grow in a thin humus or moss layer covering boulders or in rock crevices and occasionally as epiphytes in patches of moss attached to trees. This species has beautiful foliage which is marked with dark purple spots. The inflorescence bears up to 50 lilac flowers in March. This is the GOS emblem.

Cultivation:

Good drainage is essential. Grow in shallow containers under 70-80% shade. Plants prefer to be left undisturbed for several seasons. Allow a dry winter rest period.

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References

19.

Tridactyle bicaudata ssp bicaudata:

Distribution:

Southern and Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Swaziland. It is also widespread in tropical Africa.

Grows in dryer forests. A robust species which has long straggling, woody stems, which can grow into large untidy clumps. The short inflorescence carries up to 16 greenish-beige flowers in two opposite rows. Flowering time: October – February.

Cultivation:

Easy to grow. Grow mounted on a log under 60% shade. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering in winter. Keep a watchful eye for aphids and scale infestations.

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References

20.

Tridactyle tridentata:

Distribution:

Kwazulu Natal and Eastern Cape. Also found in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zaire, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

This species has cylindrical fleshy leaves which is an adaptation to dry periods. It grows on the higher branches of trees and sometimes as a lithophyte. Short inflorescences bear up to six pale greenish-cream flowers from November – March.

Cultivation:

A slow growing species. Grow mounted on a log under 60% shade. Water frequently in summer and mist the plants once a month from May – August.

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References

References:

1.

Wodrich K H K, 1997. Growing South African Indigenous Orchids, A A Balkema, Rotterdam

2.

J S Ball, 1978. Southern African Epiphytic Orchids, Conservation Press (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg

3.

J Stewart, H P Linder, E A Schelpe & A V Hall, 1982. Wild Orchids of Southern Africa, Macmillan South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg

4.

E Pooley, 1998. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers Kwazulu – Natal and the Eastern Region, Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban

5.

I and E la Croix, 1997. African Orchids in the Wild and in Cultivation, Timber Press Inc., Portland, Oregon, USA

6.

S A Orchid Council Journal, Vol 29/3, Sept 1998, Front cover, Photographed by Dr L Vogelpoel

7.

S A Orchid Council Journal, Vol 31, 2000. Jewels of the Veld & Vlei, Ann Duckworth, Photographed by R Duckworth

8.

S A Orchid Council Journal, Vol 32, 2001, Missed a Mystacidium?, Sarel Spies, Photographed by Sarel Spies

9.

S A Orchid Council Journal Vol 26/2, June 1995, Mighty Miniatures No 9. Polystachya ottoniana, Hendrik J Venter, Photographed by H J Venter

10.

S A Orchid Council Journal Vol 30, 1999, Award No 1062 & 1063, Owners: Duckett Nurseries, Darling. Photographed by Dr L Vogelpoel

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