Brownleea galpinii

Brownleea galpinii is a terrestrial orchid growing to heights up to 35 cm. It achieves perennial recurrence by means of its tuberous roots. Two basal sheaths are present, ribbed and mottled with pointed protuberances.

The plant usually has only two leaves, sometimes up to four. They grow erectly or nearly so, sheathing the stem. The leaves are long and linear, the lower leaf up to 20 cm long, the upper one (or more) decreased in size. Ribs are conspicuous upon the lower leaf surface.

The species distribution is in the north-east of South Africa, Lesotho and northwards in tropical Africa. It grows in moist montane or marshy grassland at higher elevations (Liltved and Johnson, 2012; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw; www.africanorchids.dk).