Disa uncinata flower

The flower of Disa uncinata is supposed to be white or cream without dark markings. A similar species in the Disella section of the Disa genus that D. uncinata is sometimes confused with, viz. D. ocellata has some dark markings on its flowers. D. ocellata, however, also has diagnostic purple-brown patches on the sides of the median sepal as well as brownish veins across its surface, both lacking here.

The margin of the median sepal is rounded at the top on the plant in picture as would be expected in D. uncinata, not pointed as in D. ocellata.

This photo was taken in Bainskloof in October when both species commence flowering (both continue until midsummer). A musty odour may be picked up from the flowers of D. uncinata (Liltved and Johnson, 2012; iSpot; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010).