Habenaria schimperiana bud

The green bud of the Habenaria schimperiana flower is elongated like an asymmetrical kidney. It has a distinct point in the front where the dorsal sepal meets the laterals in a firm clasp of the flower’s inner parts.

Bracts can be seen furled around the flower pedicels, the exposed ovary curving gracefully down behind its bud.

The twist found in the centre of the pale green spur is visible in the photo. The spur emerges from the lip base at the back of the bud, becoming from 1,1 cm to 2,2 cm long. The apex of the spur is slightly inflated (Pooley, 1998; www.africanorchids.dk; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).