Satyrium mirum Summerh.

Orchidaceae, I. la Croix and P.J. Cribb. Flora Zambesiaca 11:1. 1995

Morphology General Habit

Terrestrial herb 40–50 cm high.

Morphology Leaves

Basal leaves 2, appressed to the ground, 5–9 × 5–7 cm, ovate or ± orbicular, apiculate, rather fleshy; stem with 8–10 sheathing, imbricate leaves c. 7–8 cm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence 5–9 × 6 cm, fairly laxly 3–7-flowered.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers white.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Pedicel and Ovary

Ovary and pedicel 17–24 mm long, slightly curved.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Bracts erect, 20–40 mm long, elliptic, acute.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Perianth

Sepals ± deflexed, joined in the basal quarter to the petals and lip, all obscurely toothed at apex.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Median sepal 15.5–17.5 × 3.5–5 mm, oblong, rounded; lateral sepals similar but 5–6.5 mm wide.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 16–17 × 6–8 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, lacerate on apical margin.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Labellum

Lip erect, ± orbicular, the apex recurved, fimbriate, in all 18–19 mm long, 14–16 mm wide when spread out.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Spur

Spurs 11.5–14.5 cm long, pendent, slender, tapering from a base 2.5–3 mm wide.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Column

Column 10.5 mm high, ± straight; stipe c. 6 mm long; stigma 3 × 6 mm; rostellum mid-lobe 1.6 × 3 mm, side lobes much shorter.