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The Exception To The Orchid Rule
A frequently asked question often heard is, "How can you tell the difference between an orchid and any other plant?" Several characteristics exist that would aid people in distinguishing an orchid from any other plant. We generally identify only those which are easily distinguishable by sight. The defining characteristic of an orchid is it is irregular or has zygomorphic flowers. The perianth of an orchid is usually quite clearly divided into an upper and a lower half. The perianth always has six lobes which are often arranged in two whorls of three. The lip or labellum of an orchid is usually a prominent and very intricate lobe. A significant exception to the rule is our African genus Disa, which has a simple and rather insignificant lip. The majority of orchid flowers twist 180° just before they open. This movement of an orchid is termed as "resupination", which is necessary because the lip or labellum is originally developed on the upper side. After the resupination, it is positioned on the lower side which serves the orchid much better for successful pollination. Differing from most plants, the the pollen grains of an orchid stick together and form masses called pollinia. When an orchid's ovaries are cut open, it can be seen that it contains numerous tiny ovules, which in the mature capsule develops into dust-like seeds. The african orchid has a symbiotic relationship with fungi that live in their roots, called mycorrhiza. African orchids can adapt to a wide variety of niches, including bushveld, savanna, karooid scrub, thorn scrub, fynbos and grassland. Like many other plant groups, the Western Cape is where most of the species reside. If you desire to grow Southern African orchids, cultivation notes are also available with the descriptions of some of the genera. The majority of African orchids are terrestrial. Resources
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