Its Disa time of the year again!
The Red Disa (Disa uniflora) is in full flower on Table Mountain. It is truly a spectacular orchid to see in the wild and is the floral emblem of the Western Cape province.
The Disa is a South African Orchid of which 131 species are present. The name Disa originated in Swedish mythology as a result of being first described by a Swedish botanist in the 1700′s, Carl Peter Thunberg. The Disa of mythology was a young woman presented to the king wearing a fish net!
Disa uniflora, is the correct scientific name for the more commonly named “red disa” or “Pride of Table Mountain” It is pollinated by the mountain pride butterfly (Aeropetes tulbaghia.) which is very strongly attracted to the colour red and will be attracted to a red hiking bag or socks as much as to the flower.
Places to see the Disa on Table Mountain are in the perenial streams or permanently damp areas. Thus the Aquaduct, Window Gorge, and Myburghs Waterall offer some of the best viewing. The blooms are showy, usually red colored but sometimes they may be pink, yellow or rarely white.
