Eulophia petersii

Eulophia petersii, previously known as E. caffra (as well as by other names), is a robust, evergreen perennial, a terrestrial orchid that forms large clumps and grows to heights around 2 m.

Tall thick leaves with rough, sometimes sharp margins grow a dense mass on stems formed by pseudobulbs, (mostly) exposed above-ground. The yellowish pseudobulbs are at the base enveloped in dry, white sheaths. Pseudobulbs become 15 cm long and 6 cm wide, while the spreading leaves become 40 cm long and 4,4 cm wide.

Above all of this the lax, branching inflorescences will arise anytime from late spring to mid-autumn, exuding a sweet fragrance.

Leaves and pseudobulbs may persist for several years, but growth happens in bursts during favourable spring or summer seasons. Resting plants will survive in habitat through quite dry winters (Pooley, 1998; Onderstall, 1984; http://burgersonion.blogspot.co.za).