Contents
Description
Disperis Fanniniae, also known as Fannin’s Disperis, is a rare species of orchid that is endemic to South Africa. This plant was named after the botanist, Jack Fannin, who first discovered it in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa in the year 1974. Disperis Fanniniae is a terrestrial orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is a small plant that usually grows up to 30 cm in height. The plant has a single stem that bears one or two leaves at the base and a flower spike that produces up to ten flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Disperis |
| Species | Disperis Fanniniae |
Appearance
Disperis Fanniniae is a small plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has a single stem that bears one or two leaves at the base and a flower spike that produces up to ten flowers. The flowers are small, measuring around 15 mm in diameter, and are usually pinkish-purple or mauve in color. The lip of the flower is white with purple veins. The plant blooms in the late winter or early spring.
Care Guide
To take care of Disperis Fanniniae, you need to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: Disperis Fanniniae requires regular watering during the growing season, but it should be kept dry during the dormant period.Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Disperis Fanniniae prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It should be protected from direct sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Disperis Fanniniae can only be grown in hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Disperis Fanniniae is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. The plant can also be attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Habitat
Disperis Fanniniae is endemic to South Africa and is found in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The plant grows in grassland habitats at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Disperis Fanniniae a rare plant?A: Yes, Disperis Fanniniae is a rare plant that is endemic to South Africa.Q: What is the color of Disperis Fanniniae’s flowers?A: The flowers of Disperis Fanniniae are usually pinkish-purple or mauve in color.Q: What is the best time to fertilize Disperis Fanniniae?A: You can fertilize Disperis Fanniniae during the growing season.Q: What is the ideal habitat for Disperis Fanniniae?A: Disperis Fanniniae grows in grassland habitats at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
Related Plants
Here are some related orchid species that belong to the same genus as Disperis Fanniniae:- Disperis Cooperi- Disperis Orchidioides- Disperis Tysonii
References
– Johnson, S. D., Bytebier, B., & Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature.- Pooley, E. (1998). A field guide to wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region. Natal Flora Publications Trust.
