Uganda-Rwenzori Mountains (2009)

[Luar]

I visited Rwenzori Mountains in SW Uganda in 2009 where I came across some orchids. Enjoy!

[Sharry]

Thank you for posting this. Is this in jungle or more open habitat? The numbers of showy terrestrial orchids in African is interesting. I wonder how tasty they are to the myriad of grazers that inhabit African parks.

[Luar]

Originally Posted by Sharry

Thank you for posting this. Is this in jungle or more open habitat? The numbers of showy terrestrial orchids in African is interesting. I wonder how tasty they are to the myriad of grazers that inhabit African parks.

Hi Sharry,

Rwenzori Mountains fall within the Rwenzori National Park and a World Heritage site where there is no human settlement and all kinds of agricultural activities are prohibited. The fauna and flora inside the national park should be well protected. The two epiphytic orchid species grow at about 1,200 m. The Coryium (?) sp occurs at about 3,500 m and the Disa grows by icy-cold stream course between 3,500 m and 3,800 m.

You are right that terrestrial orchids in Africa are showy. I shall dig out some photos of terrestrial orchids I came across on the Drakensberg, RSA a few years ago.

Luar

[Tindomul]

Hi Luar!
Great photos and looks like you had a great time. What orchid is the one with the white flowers? It reminds me of African Impatiens.

[Sharry]

"there is no human settlement and all kinds of agricultural activities are prohibited...

Luar, I was thinking about the many and varied wild ungulates on the African continent. I wonder how palatable orchids are to wildlife.

[RosieC]

Wonderful!