Two orchids of Constantia Neck

[tyronegenade]

Hi all,

Here are some photos of the two orchids that can be found as you walk up Constantia Neck up the back of Table Mountain.

The first is Holothric villosa. These were growing in a hollow of a lichen covered rock. They can be found growing against the rock faces, muddy walls even on the ground as a terrestrial. They also grow on mossy seeps. Quite a versetile little orchid. Not much to look at though.

The last three photos are of the Table Mountain form of Satyrium pumilum (I think). It is a small plant but the flowers are quite attractive. It doesn't smell too well though... Like rotting meat. I must find the other photo I took, but the lip can be so dark and undulated that it looks like a little tarantula spider is nesting in the flower. Very freaky little orchid. In the Cederberg and Kamiesberg I found them growing in the damp soil but here on Table Mountain they grow in the moss clinging to the mountain face.

Winter has stayed longer this year than usual (damn expanding Anarctic ice sheet!). Last year this time there were several more species in flower but have not, this year, emerged yet.

Hope you like the pictures!

[tyronegenade]

Here is another two pictures of the Satyrium pumilum.

I think these and the Cederberg plant are the same species and we are just looking at the affects of climate and water availablity combined with colour variablity.

Table Mountain is cooler than the Cederberg (therefore richer colour) and there is a lot more water (so the plants can grow taller).

Don't get a fright from the first picture. It isn't really a spider.

[Bob H]

That Satyrium is superb, reminds me of Cephalotus pitchers!

[tyronegenade]

Hi all,
Craig's suspicions were correct! This little Satyrium is bracteatum.
Regards