Disperis virginalis flower

The dorsal sepal at the top of this Disperis virginalis flower, shaped like an elephant’s trunk, is nearly white, while the lateral petals and sepals are bright pink to pinkish purple on their inside surfaces. Still, the specific name is virginalis suggesting white, as is often seen on flowers of the species, particularly in Zimbabwe.

The lateral petals adhering to the margins of the dorsal sepal are large, curving in their midsections to form the open hood over the flower centre with their upper parts and enlarging the lateral sepal landing pad for pollinators with their lower parts.

The spurs in the lateral sepals are just visible. Pollinaria are dangling over the flower centre. The diameter of the faintly sweet scented flower is about 2 cm.

D. virginalis blooms in summer (www.zimbabweflora.co.zw; www.orchidspecies.com).