Mystacidium capense

< Back to search results Go to Plants of the Week Advanced Search

Mystacidium capense (L.f.) Schltr.

Family: Orchidaceae

Common names: iphamba (Zulu)

View other plants in this family View other plants in this genus

Introduction

This delicate epiphytic orchid, a mini plant with maxi roots is covered in a mass of white flowers at the beginning of summer.

Mystacidium capense

Description

This showy epiphytic orchid is found on trees in the warm, drier woodlands of southern Africa. The plant has strap-shaped, dark green leaves up to 130 mm long on short stems. The large numbers of roots are grey with white streaks, at times encircling the host branch. Numerous sprays of 6-12 well-spaced white flowers with a 40-60 mm spur, cover the plant in October and November.

Growing in habitat

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

It is found in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumulanga and is also thought to occur in Swaziland. Plants are found in dry, thorny scrub often on Acacia trees. The plants once established are able to tolerate light frosts.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

The genus name, referring to the rostellum lobes, means small moustache. There are12 species in the genus which occur in South and East Africa. Seven species occur in South Africa of which M. capense is the showiest.

Ecology

Because it is white and is strongly scented at night, it is probable that moths pollinate it. The very fine seed germinate readily on exotic tree species such as oranges (Citrus sp.), which can be a problem to farmers, and cypress (Cupressus sp.) in the Natal Midlands.

Close up of flower

Uses

Use

Mystacidium capense adds interest to a garden when established on a specimen tree. Traditionally the plant is used as a protective and love charm. It is in great demand by orchid growers.

Growing Mystacidium capense

Grow

Mature plants should be attached to smooth-barked, preferably deciduous trees using strips cut from old pantyhose. The plants should be watered sparingly until the new roots appear, after which an occasional spraying with a liquid fertilizer will benefit the plants.

Plants can also be grown on slabs of pine bark and hung in a shady place. These plants would need to be watered regularly if they are kept out of the rain.

References

BATTEN, A. & BOKELMANN, H. 1966. Wild flowers of the eastern Cape Province. Cape & Transvaal Printers, Cape Town.
JACKSON, W.P.U. 1987. Origins and derivations of names of South African plant genera. University of Cape Town.
LEISTNER, O.A. 2000. Seed plants of southern Africa: families and genera. Strelitzia 10. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.
POOLEY, E. 1998. A field guide to wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
STEWART, J., LINDER, H.P., SCHELPE, E.A. & HALL, A.V. 1982. Wild orchids of South Africa. Macmillan, Cape Town.

Credits

Brian Tarr
Natal National Botanic Garden
December 2003

Plant Attributes:

Plant Type: Epiphyte, Orchid

SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Western Cape

Soil type:

Flowering season: Early Summer

PH:

Flower colour: White

Aspect:

Gardening skill: Average

Special Features:

Fragrant

Mystacidium capense