Polystachya zambesiaca

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Asparagales

Family: Orchidaceae

Subfamily: Epidendroideae

Tribe: Epidendreae

Subtribe: Polystachyineae

Genus: Polystachya

Species: zambesiaca

Polystachya zambesiaca – Rolfe 1895

Also known as: Polystachya hislopii, Polystachya lawrenceana var. hislopii, Polystachya phiriae (Fibeck 1999) (from orchids.wikia.com)

This orchid is a small epiphytic and sometimes lithophytic (growing on rocks) flowering plant native to Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically the Zambezi region (hence the name “zambesiaca”). It is usually found at some elevation, around 900m-2000m (2900ft-6600ft.) often growing in clumps on rocky outcrops. Zambesiaca can also be found growing on isolated mountains in association with Miombo, trees of the genus Brachystegia. It blooms from August through February in the southern hemisphere where it is naturally found.

Morphology:

Leaves are green, oblong in shape being about 15 cm (6in) long. Psuedobulbs vary from 3-4 leaves and are conical on shape. Small white or light green flowers about 1/2 in wide, petals have purple veins while pseudobulbs will occasionally have a purple or reddish tinge.

Source: http://www.orchidspecies.com/polyzambesiana.htm

^^ Specimen used in lab, was dormant at the time.

Sources:

http://orchids.wikia.com/wiki/Polystachya_zambesiaca

http://www.orchidspecies.com/polyzambesiana.htm

http://www.mozambiqueflora.com/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=118500

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachystegia

http://www.orchidspecies.com/polyzambesiana.htm