Botanical name

Disa purpurascens

Family

Orchidaceae

Common Name

Early Blue Disa, Bloumoederkappie

Status

Near Threatened

Disa purpurascens
Disa purpurascens

Description

Plants up to 50cm tall. Leaves at base of stem rigid and erect, remaining leaves cauline. Inflorescence 1-7 blue flowers (occasionally white), lip more purplish than the sepals, rear lobes of petals yellow or green. Spur is conical, lip ovate with margins crisped and curved upwards. This species can be confused with Disa graminifolia but is distinct by the conical spur, upcurved lip margins and earlier flowering times.

Habitat

Occasional in dry-rocky or stony areas. Populations occur in well-drained sites in full sunlight

Flower Date

October to November