Eulophia hians var. nutans rotating buds

Rotation of the Eulophia hians var. nutans buds show some with protruding spurs pointing obliquely down, others up.

In resupinate orchids the lip is twisted from the top of the flower to the bottom. Orchids bearing their spurs on their lips, as eulophias do, therefore present them at the bottom of mature flowers. Other orchids, like disas, have spurs on dorsal sepals, presenting them at the top after the juvenile twist (resupination).

In the photo the process of twisting around has not yet started in the buds right at the top of the spike, while some of the bigger ones lower down are underway.

Pale, pointed bracts, a continuation of stem leaves, grow from the stalk below each flower. They decrease in size up the flower spike. Green vein lines are parallel, running longitudinally along their surfaces. Dark ridges on the ovaries are also evident.

Knowledge growth concerning this plant was particularly gradual, almost every increment in uderstanding accompanied by a name change. These names collectively read like the dynastic lineage of a family that prides itself in knowing a little Latin (See www.redlist.sanbi.org).

More recent nomenclatorial appendages, viz. aestivalis and baccharia form are sometimes linked to the proper name of this plant, clarifying or obfuscating its identity, depending on how deeply one chooses to delve in these matters (Liltved and Johnson, 2012; iSpot).