Satyrium flavum la Croix

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

Morphology General Habit

Terrestrial herb 25–35 cm tall.

Morphology Stem

Stem with 2 basal leaves appressed to the ground, and 4–6 bract-like, sheathing leaves.

Morphology Leaves

Basal leaves 3.5–7 × 2–5 cm, the larger ± orbicular, the smaller ovate; stem leaves 2–4 cm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence 7–9 × 1.5–2 cm, laxly 5–10-flowered.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary 8–10 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts

Bracts up to 15 × 9 mm at base of inflorescence, ovate, acute, not reflexed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers yellow.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Perianth

Sepals and petals projecting then curved under, joined to each other and lip for about half their length.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Intermediate sepal 6 × 0.6 mm, the free part 3 mm long, oblong-lanceolate, the apex rounded; lateral sepals similar but oblique and about twice as wide.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals similar to intermediate sepal.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Labellum

Lip 6–8 mm long, of similar width when flattened, very convex, somewhat overhanging the narrow mouth, the apex reflexed; spurs 14–18 mm long, slender, arched.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Column

Column erect, 4 mm high with stalk 2 mm long; rostellum ± spade-shaped.