Disa sagittalis on its Knysna rock

Growing in a rock crevice near Knysna, Disa sagittalis is here able to conceal its swollen tuber that carries the plant’s life through its short dormant season. Out of harm’s way (although not always covered as well as here), the plant is afforded “permanence” for some years, annually blooming and setting seed for as long as its tuber remains viable.

Commonly found growing upon rocks, not necessarily in crevices, the plant may enjoy some protection from fire, although it tends to flower best after fires (Liltved and Johnson, 2012; Pooley, 1998).