Pterygodium is a genus in the Orchidaceae family mostly found in the southwest Cape of South Africa. These are terrestrial orchids with a very shallow hood.
Pterygodium catholicum is a widespread species that occurs from the Bokkeveld Mountains to Port Elizabeth. Growing up to 30 cm, this species has greenish yellow flowers fading to orange-red. It grows in seasonally moist sandy soils and blooms in spring. Photos taken by Bob Rutemoeller at Bontebok National Park and by Mary Sue Ittner at Tulbagh.
Pterygodium pentherianum is found on clay soils in renosterveld in the northwest Cape. Growing to 15 cm, it has greenish white sweetly scented flowers. Photos taken by Mary Sue Ittner near Nieuwoudtville in the Bokkeveld Plateau September 2006.
