Satyrium parviflorum flower

Small, as the specific name of this orchid indicates, although wondrously shaped, the flower of Satyrium parviflorum projects a homely image. The globose labellum or lip with shiny but rough brown-green surface, emphasises an elaborate lemon green rim around its opening, suggesting the entrance to a sheltered, relaxed stay for any qualifying pollinator.

Since the small entrance can’t be closed, the seduction may be overly successful. Qualifying is thus for practical purposes stretched to meaning every prospective insect that will fit through the door! Probably anyone prepared to roll over pollinia or rub them to distraction, while sipping or seeking nectar, will fit the bill. And there’s nothing to prevent the odd passing bird taking a fancy from sticking a beak into the not so private affairs of the bold flower.

S. parviflorum flowers are usually sweetly scented, mostly by night but also by day, their spurs brimming with nectar. Some moths have been seen around these flowers; pollination may differ for regions within the plant’s large distribution (Liltved and Johnson, 2012).