Disperis virginalis flower

A flower of Disperis virginalis may be blue-purple as the one in the photo. The specific name of virginalis is thought to refer to the white flowering form of the plant typically found in Zimbabwe, although the first plant record was produced from South African specimens where the flowers are often pale to deep pink.

Blackish line markings are present upon the inside surfaces of the large lateral petals of the flower in picture. They form the open hood with the dorsal sepal, not clearly shown here due to the angle of the photograph.

Cone-shaped spur openings are evident in the surfaces of the lateral sepals spreading below the flower centre. These spurs are curved and sac-like, not nectar producing or pollination related. They become up to 1 cm long, their pointed tips attenuating.

The base of a dark purple ovary is visible at the bottom of the photo, above its pointed bract with wavy margins. The small whitish lip of the flower with its basal claw and delicate, recurved and lobed appendage, is erect in the flower centre (www.zimbabweflora.co.zw; www.orchidspecies.com).