Disperis is a genus in the Orchidaceae family found in Africa, India and New Guinea. These orchids have underground tubers and are called 'Granny Bonnet' orchids.
Disperis capensis occurs in open well-drained fynbos between the Cape peninsula and Port Elizabeth. It has purple to magenta or occasionally white or green flowers with the upper petals forming a spurred cap or hood and the lateral petals long and narrow with recurved tips. Photo taken by Cameron McMaster at Fernkloof near Hermanus.
Disperis cardiophora is a tuberous geophyte about 20 cm. tall. It has one rounded basal leaf and greenish to pink hooded flowers. It is found in moist mountain grassland in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Photo by Cameron McMaster.
Disperis lindleyana is found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in montane forests. It has one heart-shaped leaf that is inserted halfway up the stem and white hooded flowers. It is summer blooming. Photo by Cameron McMaster.
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