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- - Eulophia speciosa (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/orchids-in-the-wild/64876-eulophia-speciosa.html)

Eulophia speciosa

I only recently realized that I probably had wild-growing orchids virtually on my door step. I mean, I know orchids exist in a wide range of habitats, but I considered the fairly dry thornbush savanna to be a less likely spot for them than many other places.

After googling some eulophia species, I came across a photo of an Eulophia speciosa, and something just fell into place. I KNEW I had seen that flower in the wild somewhere, and I remembered approximately where.

I've been driving around in that part of the farm searching for yellow flowers since the first rains begun, and with no luck.

But then...finally....

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According to OrchidSpecies the Eulophia speciosa can be found in large parts of central and southern Africa. It grows in grasslands and deciduous woodland in poor rocky soils or even in sand dunes, up to 2000 meters above sea level (the farm is roughly on 1700 m). It is a terrestrial growing plant with underground pseudobulbs. When I begun to look around, I realized the area where I can see the flowers is like a mine field, full of half-hidden bulbs in the sand.

It flowers in the spring and/or early summer. And it is fragrant! Yes, indeed. It smells like vanilla!

the fence poles have been marked and from now on I will always be able to find them. :biggrin:

That is so cool. Finding orchids in situ is so rewarding..

Totally awesome.

Kim

Eulophia are just great,and easy growers aswell,they occur nearly anywhere in the eastern cape, been spotting them over the years now and are always a fantastic sight to behold.....

How phenomenal! The blooms look almost pea-like.
I have never seen this species before; how great to have the added bonus of scent...really nice.
Thanks for sharing your good fortune!!!!
Steve :waving
Have a great 2013!
:lovesite

Nice find! :)

There are most likely some Disa spp. that also grow around that kind of environment. You might find some of those as well. ;)

Wow, how cool to find wild orchids growing near you :cheer: