Wild Orchid (Polystachya pubescens)

Family Orchidaceae 

For some reason I have never really associated orchids as a typical plant for South Africa as one imagines they only grown in tropical rainforests so it surprised me to learn that we have over 160 indigenous species, some growing in bushveld areas.

This beauty however comes from the forest area of Woody Cape which lies along the coast and situated about half way between East London and Port Elizabeth.

The flowers are small, about 2cm in length.

 The plant grows in the upper areas of trees where it clings to the bark.