Huttonaea oreophila buds

The stem-tip buds of Huttonaea oreophila flowers are more or less globose before the perianth segments unfurl. This reveals the thread-like fringe lobes and purplish markings on the white corolla, the notable flower features.

The inflorescence usually comprises two to four flowers, occasionally up to ten. The flower is less than 1,8 cm long, the inflorescence length about 4 cm. 

The five Huttonaea species are all orchids occurring in the Drakensberg or near it. Huttonaea flowers have no spurs (Pooley, 1998; www.africanorchids.dk; www.orchidspecies.com).