Disa is one of the great showpiece genera of the orchid family, Orchidaceae – a distinctly African group of mostly terrestrial, tuberous orchids celebrated for their sculptural flowers, vivid colour, and often very specialised habitats. Kew’s Plants of the World Online currently treats Disa as a genus in Orchidaceae with 186 accepted species, while South Africa is a major centre of diversity for the group. From the legendary red Disa uniflora, the “Pride of Table Mountain”, to delicate white, pink, mauve, orange, yellow, and red species from streamsides, seepages, grasslands, fynbos slopes, mountain ledges, and high-altitude wetlands, Disa offers growers and collectors some of the most elegant and sought-after terrestrial orchids in the world. Many species are cool-growing plants adapted to clean water, excellent air movement, bright filtered light, and sharply drained yet constantly moist root conditions; others are seasonal geophytes that demand a more precise wet-and-dry rhythm. This is a genus for patient growers, but it rewards that care with pollinator attracting flowers of exceptional refinement, ecological intrigue, and unmistakable South African character.

Disa filicornis (Disa filicornis latipetala, Disa patens, Disa reflexa, Orchis filicornis, Penthea filicornis, Penthea reflexa) – Dry Disa

Disa filicornis is a captivating South African terrestrial orchid for collectors who appreciate refinement, delicacy and true Cape botanical character. Endemic to South Africa and recorded from the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, it is a species of the winter-rainfall region, associated with mountain slopes and fynbos habitats where cool seasonal moisture gives way to brighter spring and early-summer flowering.

The plants are elegant and slender, producing fine green stems and narrow, thread-like leaves that give the whole plant a graceful, airy appearance. In flower, Disa filicornis is wonderfully distinctive: the blooms are held on a loose spike and may vary from soft white to deep pink, with the most desirable forms showing bright rosy-magenta lateral segments, pale white to blush-pink hooded upper parts, and warm creamy-yellow tones in the throat.

In habitat, Disa filicornis typically flowers from spring into early summer, with flowering often recorded from October to December. The open flowers have a light, refined orchid form rather than a heavy, rounded display, making them especially attractive to specialist growers who enjoy smaller, highly detailed species with unusual floral architecture.

This is a superb species for experienced orchid enthusiasts, South African indigenous plant collectors, and international growers looking to expand their collection with a rare and beautiful Cape Disa. Its delicate pink-and-white flowers, fine stems and graceful habit make it a rewarding choice for anyone fascinated by terrestrial orchids, fynbos flora and the extraordinary diversity of South Africa’s botanical heritage.

Check out our online seed store and explore our Extensive Range of rare, unusual and collectible species. Add Disa filicornis to your collection today, Buy Now or Add to Cart while available, and browse our Diverse Selection of seed treasures. Seeds and All offers combined South African and International shipping, making it easy for local and overseas growers, collectors, gardeners and hobbyists to order more of what they love in one convenient shipment.