Bonatea antennifera

Bonatea antennifera, previously scientifically known as B. speciosa var. antennifera, is a ground orchid growing from a flattened tuber to heights from 45 cm to 1,2 m. 

The leaves are broad and longitudinally lined, forming sheaths around the stem.

In late autumn when blooming is concluded, the oblong, ribbed fruits are present on the stem. Many tiny seeds will eventually be dispersed, but only few plants will grow, as the conditions for germination are not easily met. Nature solves efficiency problems differently to factory managers that retain costs within frugal budgetary constraints by wasting no raw materials.

The species distribution is in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape. It is seen on the Witwatersrand, for instance on the Melville Koppies where the photo was taken in February. It is also common in parts of the Magaliesberg and occurs in the Waterberg.

The habitat is medium to dry grassland, commonly in tree shade. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century (Germishuizen and Fabian, 1982; Lucas and Pike, 1971; Letty, 1962; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).