Satyrium bicorne

The leaves of Satyrium bicorne have grown enough here for identification by August when the photo was taken. The two basal leaves are ovate, slightly pointed and prostrate; sometimes nearly round. The stem leaves sheath the stem ostentatiously, the embrace reaching high up with flaring margins and consecutive leaves do the same at intervals from opposite sides. These upper leaves have acute tips and may be tinged with purple on their pale green outer surfaces. This leaf structure is similar to that seen on S. carneum.

The emerging flower spike can be seen peeping out at the top. Fully developed, the flower stem may stand 45 cm tall. The flowers are pale yellow. The spurs descend; the lip has a small beak-like tip.

Flowering happens in spring. The common name for this plant, ewwa-trewwa, is similar to names for other plants of the genus.

The plant grows in the Western Cape from the Gifberg to the Peninsula and along the south coast to Knysna. The habitat is sandy flats and lower slopes. This plant was seen near Clanwilliam (Manning, 2007; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984).