Disperis renibractea inflorescence

This photo shows that Disperis renibractea is a member of the Disperis genus in which the lateral petals (but not the lip) compete for prominence in aesthetic impact with the usually more illustrious Disperis sepals. Their size, rounded shape and bright colouring, positioned between the dorsal and lateral sepals, are up there with the still impressive sepals.

Note the surface texture variations among the corolla segments, some showing inside surfaces, others outside ones. Flower colour in D. renibractea varies considerably. Some are greenish or brown, while many appear in shades of pink or purple.

The flowers exude a pungent, soapy odour. Flowering happens during summer and early autumn (Pooley, 1998).