Satyrium carneum leaves

    Satyrium carneum leaves
    Author: Ivan Lätti
    Photographer: Thabo Maphisa

    These leaves seen in sandy soil between Gansbaai and Pearly Beach in June are thought to be grown by Satyrium carneum tubers that are multiplying. The fairly large, brown, conical tubers of S. carneum are usually bifurcated.

    Orchid tubers usually grow in adjacent pairs, the one older than the other, replacement happening annually. New orchid tubers often tend to grow beside the original one as well; the multiple stems in picture indicating some proliferation.

    Concurrent shoots may develop from an orchid tuber, one of which fertile or flowering, the other sterile, becoming fertile in a subsequent season.

    The lowest leaf pair of every S. carneum shoot is partially flat on the ground, the upper ones smaller, more sheath than leaf. The leaves are thick and fleshy.

    The function of the prostrate leaves may be reduction of transpiration from the stomata for coping with drought, more dew may form on the leaves and better intake of carbon dioxide may result, or the temperature and competing vegetation may be reduced, as well as the probability of the leaves being eaten (Liltved and Johnson, 2012).

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