Satyrium sphaerocarpum Lindl.

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

Morphology General Habit

Terrestrial herb 20–40 cm high; tubers c. 2 cm long, ellipsoid.

Morphology Stem

Stem leafy with c. 5 leaves.

Morphology Leaves

Lowermost leaves sheath-like, the next 2 leaves spreading or semi-erect, borne near the base of the stem, 5–12 × 2–4 cm, ovate, acute; upper leaves smaller and bract-like.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence 3–18 × 3–4 cm, fairly densely several- to many-flowered.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers whitish with purple blotches within, or pink and white.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary 7–9 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Bracts up to 20 mm long at base of inflorescence, reflexed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Perianth

Sepals and petals projecting and slightly decurved, joined to each other and lip for about a third of their length.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Median sepal 12–13 × 1–1.5 mm, oblong, obtuse, lateral sepals 12–15 × 2–2.5 mm, oblique.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 12–14 × c. 1 mm.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Labellum

Lip 13–14 mm long, 7–9 mm wide when spread out, wide-mouthed, with reflexed apical flap 1–2 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Spur

Spurs 8–15 mm long, very slender from a relatively wide mouth.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Column

Column 9–11 mm long; stigma semi-orbicular, c. 1.5 mm high; rostellum less than 0.5 mm long, obtuse.