Biology
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The red disa is pollinated solely by the mountain pride butterfly, Meneris tulbaghia, and it is the abundance of this butterfly that dictates the success of the red disa in different habitats. Those plants growing in a rocky gorge are far more successful than those in an open valley, as the mountain pride butterfly prefers rocky, sheltered habitats (7). Red disas are evergreen plants but bear flowers only during the summer months, from December to March, with a peak flowering period in mid-February (5). Flowers of the red disa produce nectar to tempt the mountain pride butterfly to feed, and when the butterfly drinks from the long, tubular nectaries that store the nectar, pollen is deposited on their feet, facilitating pollination (8). The seed of the red disa is a relatively large balloon-shaped structure; a shape which is thought to have evolved to be suited to dispersal by water (9), perfectly adapted to their stream-side habitat.
Conservation
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The red disa is listed on Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that trade in this beautiful and popular flower should be controlled to ensure it is compatible with the species' survival (1). About 14 percent of the Cape Floristic Region falls into protected areas (4), so it is likely that some populations of the red disa receive some form of protection.
Description
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The red disa is a member of the orchid family, a group of plants prized for their spectacularly beautiful flowers (3), and the emblem of the Cape Province of South Africa in which it grows (4). It can bear up to six showy flowers, which may be shades of red, pink or occasionally yellow (2) (5), and has simple leaves that alternate down the stem (3). The flower consists of three petals, one of which is quite distinct from the other two. This petal, called the lip or labellum, lies at the base of the flower and acts as a landing platform to attract a particular species of butterfly to its pollen (6). The red disa was discovered by a Swedish physician and botanist who is thought to have named it after Queen Disa from a famous Swedish saga (6).
Habitat
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The red disa is found along stream banks, waterfalls and wet cliffs on Table Mountain and other mountain localities of the Western Cape (5).
Range
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Grows in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa (5).
Status
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Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).
Threats
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The Cape Floristic Region, in which the red disa is found, is one of the richest areas for plant diversity in the world, with more than 69 percent of species found no where else (4). Unfortunately, the unique floral biodiversity of this region is under threat from agricultural expansion. Farming of rooibos tea, honeybush tea, cut flowers and vineyards are all encroaching on natural areas (4). In addition, the invasion of alien plant species, introduced from countries such as Australia and Canada, is altering natural fire frequencies and eliminating native species, upsetting the delicate ecological balance (4).
Disa uniflora
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Disa uniflora, the red disa or pride of Table Mountain,[1][2] is a South African species of orchid in the family Orchidaceae.[1][3] It is the type species of the genus Disa, and one of its best-known members. It is occasionally referred to by its old name Disa grandiflora.[1][3][2][4]
Distribution
Disa uniflora blooming along a stream in its natural habitat on the slopes of the Cape Fold Belt mountains.
Its range is restricted to the Sandstone Mountains of the South Western Cape, South Africa, west of Hermanus to Table Mountain[4] and northwards into the Cederberg Mountains.[3] It is common on Table Mountain, and the Back Table, but is rarely seen further south on the Cape Peninsula.[1] The orchid grows near waterfalls, streamlets, and seeps in the mountains.[1][3] It is, however, never found along the shores of dams whose water levels vary considerably during the year.
Description
It is a fairly stout perennial 15 – 60 cm in height, spreading by stolons. The leaves are lance shaped, the lower ones spreading or semi-erect up to 25 cm long. The inflorescence is 1-3 flowered. The blooms are showy, and can be 10 cm across the laterally spreading sepals, which are scarlet to carmine in color. The middle, upright sepal is pinkish on the inside with scarlet veins.[1] The petals, which are very much smaller than the sepals, are erect colored yellow with red spots at their tops, but pale scarlet at their bases.[1] It blooms during the summer months, particularly in January, but continuing into March.[1][3][2][4] Its pollination is one of the most complex of all the orchids, involving the mountain pride butterfly, Aeropetes tulbaghia.[1]
As an emblem
The Mountain Club of South Africa, the Western Province Rugby Team and the Western Province sports use the image of this species on their badges and logos. It has been the Mountain Club's logo since its founding in 1891. The flowers are also depicted on the obverse side of the Pro Merito Medal (1975).
Gallery
The column of the flower corresponds to the fusion of both male and female parts
Disa uniflora is entirely dependent on the mountain pride butterfly, Aeropetes tulbaghia, for its pollination[1]
See also
References
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Disa uniflora: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
Disa uniflora, the red disa or pride of Table Mountain, is a South African species of orchid in the family Orchidaceae. It is the type species of the genus Disa, and one of its best-known members. It is occasionally referred to by its old name Disa grandiflora.
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- cc-by-sa-3.0
- copyright
- Wikipedia authors and editors
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![Disa uniflora is entirely dependent on the mountain pride butterfly, Aeropetes tulbaghia, for its pollination[1]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aeropetes1.JPG)
