Mystacidium capense

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Botanical Name

Mystacidium capense

Family

Orchidaceae -

The orchid family.

Pronunciation

mis-tah-SID-ee-um ka-PEN-see

Common Name(s)

IsiZulu: iphamba

Plant Group

Orchid

Plant Size

Small

Tree 4m to 8m

Shrub 50cm to 75cm

Perennial/ground cover 10cm to 20cm

Bulb 20cm to 30cm

Succulent 10cm to 20cm

Position

Canopy Shade Canopy shade is found below closely grown trees where some light filters through. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Fragrant / Aromatic These plants posses a strong, usually pleasant odour.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.

Specific Information

Mystacidium capense is an epiphytic plant orchid. The dark green strap-shaped leaves, of which there are 4 to 10, are held on short stems and grow up to 13 cm in length. The thick roots are grey with with whitish streaks and become very long - quite out of proportion to the size of the plant. The flowers, being white and strongly scented at night, are thought to be pollinated by moths, especially the Hawkmoth. Once established, the plants can tolerate light frost. This plant makes a fascinating point of interest when grown on a tree in the garden.

An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant for physical support but obtain their nutrients from rain and from debris on the supporting plants. Epiphytes are in no way parasitic as they take no nutrients from the host tree.

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Flowers

Description

satiny textured, about 20 mm in diameter, with two petals, three sepals, a lower lip and a 40 to 60 mm spur, in numerous loose sprays

Season

Spring to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

white

Growth Rate

Slow Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.

Distribution and Habitat

in South Africa along the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, as well as Swaziland, in dry woodland, thorny scrub and coastal scrub, often on Acacia trees as well as Citrus and Cypress species

Planting Suggestions

Mature plants should preferably be attached to smooth-barked trees. They can be gently tied on using strips cut from nylon srockings. The plants should be lightly watered until new roots appear and the plant has attached itself firmly to the bark, after which the retaining strips can be removed. Liquid fertilizer can be applied in spray form from time to time.

Plants can also be grown on a sturdy piece of bark, driftwood or section of weathered branch and hung or tied in a shady place. If the plant is kept under shelter it will need to be regularly watered. The application of fertilizer would especially benefit these plants as they are not able to gather the same amount of nutrients as they do when attached to a tree.

The dust-like seeds are dispersed by wind or simply rise up on warm air draughts, where they land on mossy branches. In nature they germinate only where specific fungus species are present. The fungi provide the sugar content needed, which is lacking in the seeds. Artificially grown seeds must be germinated under sterile laboratory conditions.

Lorraine's Garden Notes

Although I found many overseas references to this plant needing a fairly constant supply of water or misting, those growing naturally here in the Albany area of the Eastern Cape survive in hot and frequently very dry conditions - at times there is no rain for four or more weeks at a time.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally the plant is used as a protective and love charm.

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Author: Lorraine Solomon