Pterygodium cooperi flower top

From above, as the hiker in the Drakensberg would see it, the Pterygodium cooperi flower shows its pale green dorsal sepal, ovate and pointed between the two gossamer white lateral petals that spread on the dorsal sepal flanks. Only 30 cm tall, the plant may not reach grass or shrub height in its habitat.

The outside of the dorsal sepal is hairy, as are the two green lateral sepals, flexed down and outwards below the flower centre. Faint veining is visible on petals and the sepals (Pooley, 1998; www.eurekalert.org; www.africanorchids.dk).

(There is more about this plant in the Pterygodium Album.)