DISPERIS CAPENSIS var. CAPENSIS

Family: Orchidaceae
Moederkappie (Afr.); Granny's Bonnet (Eng.)

INTRODUCTION

Disperis capensis var. capensis is one of our most distinctive little orchids. The large purple hood, with its two long side sepals curving gracefully backwards, looks just like an old-fashioned granny's bonnet with ribbons flying in the wind.

But don't let this sweet-looking flower fool you. This granny is a master of deception.

Unlike many flowers, Disperis capensis var. capensis produces no nectar to reward its visitors. Instead, it relies on clever mimicry to attract pollinators.

A DECEPTIVE ORCHID

The flowers closely resemble those of a Polygala (September Bush), which does produce nectar. Carpenter bees, expecting a sweet reward, are lured to the orchid and unknowingly pollinate it before discovering they have been tricked.

The flowers of the two plants are remarkably similar in size and colour, although their shapes differ. The carpenter bees must be wonderfully optimistic—they keep coming back!

DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT

Disperis capensis var. capensis grows in damp sandstone soils, often in seepages in mountain fynbos.

After the Koppie in Rooiels was cleared of rooikrans during the 1990s, the area was carpeted with these charming orchids and spectacular flowering ericas. It was a wonderful sight.

Today the vegetation has matured considerably, and the moederkappies no longer flower there as they once did. Such is the ever-changing nature of the fynbos.

POLLINATION

Pollination is carried out by carpenter bees, which are deceived into visiting the flowers through their resemblance to nectar-producing Polygala species.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Status: Least Concern.

Disperis capensis var. capensis is currently classified as Least Concern.

Click to find out more on Inaturalist