Polystachya x, total height 4 cm

[A. thom Aberdares]

The specimen in the photo below flowers once a year, has done so for the last 8 years or so, grows here at 2,350 masl. Is rather happy at this altitude, took two divisions from it this year, produces about every other year seed pods as well, but no seedlings (yet).

It most likely originates from Kenya or was blown over from Northern Tanzania. I cannot find it in the Orchids of Kenya book, by Joyce Stewart, Google Lens doesn't come close, and over the years I have not come across it in other websites. So it will be really great if somebody can positively ID it.

Total height of the plants at time of flowering 4cm, leaves 3 * 2cm. Lip 3mm yellow greenish with maroon flanks, Pedicel hairy, column maroon, sepals 2.5mm max, sepals 2mm. Petals and sepals cream transparent, like with Diaphananthe species. Rather sure it belongs to the Polystachya genus, but any assistance will do.

[Roberta]

Flower looks a little bit like Polystachya galeata, but the growth habit is different (but maybe under natural conditions it can grow tall spikes, mine doesn't)

[NatalieS]

Closest I've seen so far is this one: IOSPE PHOTOS

Lip, general colouring, and plant habit look pretty close to me.

Also found in Tanzania, so could definitely have made it's way over.

It's a cutie, I want one

[Waterdog111]

Pics,those are very nice and happy too

[A. thom Aberdares]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Closest I've seen so far is this one: IOSPE PHOTOS

Lip, general colouring, and plant habit look pretty close to me.

Also found in Tanzania, so could definitely have made it's way over.

It's a cutie, I want one

Yeah, I now also belief it is the one. I have gone through the IOSPE Polystachya list a few times, but dismissed Polystachya parva for being too white and altitudes too far apart. The difference in whiteness can have many reasons and because the species is rather small the altitude data can be less accurate. In another site it is also mentioned as cool growing.

"It's a cutie, I want one", no problem, when you are in Kenya I can show you one.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by A. thom Aberdares

Yeah, I now also belief it is the one. I have gone through the IOSPE Polystachya list a few times, but dismissed Polystachya parva for being too white and altitudes too far apart. The difference in whiteness can have many reasons and because the species is rather small the altitude data can be less accurate. In another site it is also mentioned as cool growing.

"It's a cutie, I want one", no problem, when you are in Kenya I can show you one.

I thought it looked a little 'clean' too, but I've seen myself the difference that temp/light can have on colouration in 'white' blooms - I feel like the lip, the maroon column, as well as the small size and habit all fit, though.

I'm originally from South Africa, so I might take you up on that when I'm home at some point.