Tridactyle tridentata growing and flowering in situ - Orchid Board

Orchid killer · #1 12-14-2014, 01:05 PM

An African genus of about 40 species, the genus is defined by it tri-lobed labellum. The flowers are rather small about 4-6 mm with only 6-8 flowers per inflorescence. But a well grown plants can produce multiple inflorescences and can be quite striking when in full flower.

I have found Tridactyle tridentate a bit of a challenge in cultivation – the species are found in drier savannah type woodland where the rainfall is slightly lower and more defined seasonally. The leave of tridentata are terete a natural way to conserve water during our long dry periods. So I guess the species is best grown mounted and not to over water during the dry rest period.

This photos were taken in some woodland just side Harare near Cleveland dam. Trekking through thick bush looking for this orchid was a little challenging and one has to be a bit careful for bush ticks which carry disease.