Botanical name

Liparis capensis

Family

Orchidaceae

Common Name

Little Cape Greasy
Liparis capensis
Liparis capensis
Liparis capensis
Liparis capensis
Liparis capensis
Liparis capensis

Description

Slender, small geophyte up to 12cm, with pseudobulbs largely buried in the soil. Leaves two, occasionally three, broadly egg-shaped, spreading on soil surface, slightly convex, softly ribbed; flowers in a spike, yellowish-green, shiny, sepals unequal, petals linear; lip oblong, somewhat widened in the middle; pollinaria have a lid-like cover. Flowering is more abundant after fire; plants in open areas of fynbos can flower yearly in successive seasons.

Note: Green flowers usually suggest pollination by flies, however fungus gnats may also be pollinators of Liparis.

Baboons enjoy eating the bulbs.

Greek: lipos = oily, greasy; referring to the shiny, slightly greasy looking flowers.

 

Habitat

Sandy soil, exposed, sunny habitat

Flower Date

May to July