Brachycorythis tenuior floral bracts

The leaf-like floral bracts of Brachycorythis tenuior ascend erectly among the flowers. They fit well as a continuation of the similar-looking leaves below, along the stems of these orchids.

The sessile bracts become up to 3 cm long. In the photo the broadly lanceolate bract shape tapers and attenuates to an elongated, acutely pointed tip, while curving variously in the visible examples. The base of the bract is concave, accommodating its flower especially while budding; the outer parts of it, mainly the margin, curve down. The bract midrib is noticeable (Lowrey and Wright, 1987; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).