Orchidaceae

Disa bracteata

Common Names: South African weed orchid

Plant Form: Fleshy erect perennial herb. Size: Up to 50 cm tall. Stem: Thick, fleshy, green, cylindrical flowering stalk. Only appears above ground for a few months in spring. Leaves: Initially rosette at base, then numerous green with grass like blades up to 15 cm long, purplish on upper surfaces with age. Smaller modified leaves clasp around flowers. Flowers: 20-60 on stalk, small, up to 5 mm long, with red hooded upper part and yellow green downward pointing lower parts and yellow tongue-like large bottom petal. Fruit and Seeds: Brown capsule containing numerous minute dust-like seeds. Habitat: Wet forests, old gardens, rainforest, urban bushland. Distinguishing Features: Has multiple leaves at the base of the stem rather than a single leaf in native Onion or Leek orchids (Microtis or Prasophyllum species). Impacts: Outcompetes and replaces native orchids and other rare plants.

Plants are small and grow from bulb

Flowes are small and dull

A well developed example

Leaves may be red underneath