Disa clavicornis leaves

The leaves of Disa clavicornis sheathe the stem. They decrease in size up the stem and grade into the yet smaller floral bracts upon the inflorescence above.

The plant usually grows a separate stem bearing leaves only, positioned next to the one that bears the inflorescence. The leaves at the base of the plant in picture have already died and become dark brown.

The outer surface of the sheath on the lowest live leaf has irregular, transversal rows of lines and dots in a pale purplish colour upon its pale green surface. Such markings are almost absent from leaves higher up, certainly on the upper leaf surface in view (iSpot; www.orchidspecies.com).