Disperis virginalis blue flower

A Disperis virginalis flower may be blue as in the photo to blue-purple. The flowers grow in a few-flowered spike, sometimes with maroon streaks or purple dots. There are rarely more than three flowers per spike. Leaf-like bracts are present below the flowers.

The specific name of virginalis is thought to allude to the white flowering form of the species typically found in Zimbabwe, although the first plant record was produced from South African specimens where the flowers are often pale to deep pink. Virginalis, is a Latin word meaning maidenly.

Blackish line markings are present upon the inside surfaces of the large lateral petals of the flower in picture. They form the open hood with the dorsal sepal, not clearly shown here due to the angle of the photograph.

Cone-shaped spur openings are evident in the surfaces of the lateral sepals, spreading below the flower centre. These spurs are curved and sac-like, not nectar producing or pollination related. They become up to 1 cm long, their pointed tips attenuating.

The base of a dark purple ovary is visible at the bottom of the photo, above its pointed bract with wavy margins. The small whitish lip of the flower with its basal claw and delicate, recurved and lobed appendage, is erect in the flower centre (iNaturalist; www.orchidspecies.com; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).