Satyrium is a genus in the Orchidaceae family found in Africa, India, and China. These are terrestrial orchids with underground tubers and a lip that forms a hood. Satyrium is deciduous, winter or summer growing. The tubers are annually replaced. Oval shaped leaves can be flat on the ground or in a raised spreading position. More information about this genus can be found on this web page entitled 
SA Orchids: Satyrium
Satyrium bracteatum is a species found both in winter and summer rainfall areas of South Africa. Photo by Cameron McMaster.
Satyrium ligulatum is winter-growing, blooming in spring. It has a wide distribution in South Africa and yellowish-green to white flowers that are tinged purple. Photo by Cameron McMaster.
Satyrium longicauda grows in grassland, rocky areas and marshes from the Southern Cape of South Africa to tropical Africa. It has white to pink sweetly scented flowers in a dense spike. Photos by Cameron McMaster. The first two photos were taken at Mt. Kubusie of a large late blooming form.
Satyrium longicolle from the Southern to Eastern Cape of South Africa grows on damp sandstone slopes. It is winter growing, blooming late spring, often after a fire. Flowers are in a dense spike, white to pink with darker streaks. Photo by Cameron McMaster.
Satyrium neglectum is found in moist grassland from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tanzania. It has medium to small flowers in a dense spike in various colors (pink to red, orange to yellow, mauve, and yellowish white.) Photographs by Cameron McMaster taken at Mt. Thomas in the Eastern Cape. The second is a close-up.
Satyrium parviflorum is known as the Devil Orchid. It is found in moist or dry grassland, among rocks from the southern Cape of South Africa to the Eastern Cape and tropical Africa. It has yellowish green small, densely packed flowers, is variable in size. Photo by Cameron McMaster.
Satyrium sphaerocarpum is found in moist grassland from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Mozambique. This tuberous plant grows to 50 cm. It has large white to cream few or many flowers that are streaked dark reddish brown to purple. Photos by Cameron McMaster.
Satyrium trinerve is found on marshy ground from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to tropical Africa. Bracts are green with broad white margins and spread horizontally. Flowers are white and yellow in a dense spike. Photo by
Cameron McMaster.
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