Eulophia chilangensis Summerh.

Orchidaceae, I. la Croix & P.J. Cribb. Flora Zambesiaca 11:2. 1998

Morphology General Habit

Slender terrestrial herb 35–45 cm tall.

Vegetative Multiplication Tubers

Perennating organs subterranean, tuberous, elongated, cylindrical; roots 2–3 mm in diameter.

Morphology Leaves

Leaves scarcely developed at flowering time, occasionally up to 6 cm long, linear, acute, stiff.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences 1–2, laxly 10–20-flowered, rhachis to 23 cm long; scape with a few lanceolate sheaths.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Pedicel and Ovary

Pedicel and ovary 7–10 mm long, the ovary swelling quickly.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Bracts 4 mm long, linear-lanceolate, acuminate.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers straw-coloured to brown, the lip violet or purple-tinged.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals erect or reflexed, 6.5–9.5 × 1.5–2 mm, broadly linear, obtuse or subacute, the laterals slightly falcate.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 6–8 × 2–2.5 mm, obliquely oblong, acute or apiculate, lying over the column.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Labellum

Lip 6–8 × 3–4 mm, 3-lobed in the apical third; side lobes rounded in front; mid-lobe truncate, with no papillae; the 3 main veins of the lip thickened at the base, usually running almost to the apex; spur 2–3 mm long, slender, downcurved.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Column

Column 3 mm long; foot 1 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule pendent, 8 × 5 mm.

Habitat

Miombo woodland, on rocky outcrops, or mixed deciduous woodland and Afzelia-Brachystegia bush on dry sandy soils

General Description

Slender terrestrial herb 35–45 cm tall.Perennating organs subterranean, tuberous, elongated, cylindrical; roots 2–3 mm in diameter.Leaves scarcely developed at flowering time, occasionally up to 6 cm long, linear, acute, stiff.Inflorescences 1–2, laxly 10–20-flowered, rhachis to 23 cm long; scape with a few lanceolate sheaths.Pedicel and ovary 7–10 mm long, the ovary swelling quickly; bracts 4 mm long, linear-lanceolate, acuminate.Flowers straw-coloured to brown, the lip violet or purple-tinged.Sepals erect or reflexed, 6.5–9.5 × 1.5–2 mm, broadly linear, obtuse or subacute, the laterals slightly falcate.Petals 6–8 × 2–2.5 mm, obliquely oblong, acute or apiculate, lying over the column.Lip 6–8 × 3–4 mm, 3-lobed in the apical third; side lobes rounded in front; mid-lobe truncate, with no papillae; the 3 main veins of the lip thickened at the base, usually running almost to the apex; spur 2–3 mm long, slender, downcurved.Column 3 mm long; foot 1 mm long.Capsule pendent, 8 × 5 mm.