Disa fragrans in habitat

The habitat of Disa fragrans is rocky, montane grassland, open and treeless but in summer damp from retaining moisture in the dense grass, delivered by the summer rains. Conditions vary considerably across the plant’s widespread southern African distribution. Many of the plants are found on mountain slopes, among rocks, or on cliffs.

On the robust plant in picture some of the stem leaves, smaller than the basal leaves and decreasing up the stem, have turned black in part. The lower leaves appear blue grey, roundish tipped with lateral margins slightly up-curving. The basal leaves are about 10 cm long.

The inflorescence is well developed (Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).