Vlei Orchid

Name

Vlei Orchid

Latin Name

Eulophia angolensis

Description

The vlei orchid bears beautiful fragrant yellow flowers and can grow up to a height of 2 m long. The leaves are small and appear wrinkled and grow close to the ground. The flower has a is 20 mm long calyx which stands erect. The broad forward folding petals overlap one another on top of the ribbed orchid tongue.
The flowering period is during the summer months in South Africa.

Habitat

In South Africa, the vlei orchid grows predominantly within warm, tropical environments.

Field Notes

The vlei orchid is found in wetland areas around South Africa, especially around marshes [vleis], damp grasslands and on river banks.