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 glandulosa – Sticky Disa

Disa glandulosa is a charming, compact South African terrestrial orchid and a wonderful choice for collectors who appreciate the smaller, more intricate treasures of the Cape flora. Endemic to South Africa, it is recorded from the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, where it forms part of the country’s remarkable orchid diversity in cool, moist fynbos habitats.

This species has a neat, low-growing habit, usually remaining a small plant rather than a tall, showy orchid. It produces fresh green stems and leafy growth with a visibly fine, glandular texture, giving the plant a delicate, almost sparkling character at close range. The compact flower stems carry clusters of bright, cheerful blooms above the foliage, creating a delightful miniature display that is especially appealing to specialist growers and lovers of unusual indigenous orchids. Plants are described as up to about 20 cm tall, with conspicuous glandular hairs on the stems and leaves.

The flowers are soft to vivid pink, rounded and dainty, with deeper magenta-pink spots and blotches around the centre, often set off by pale inner floral parts and warm yellowish details. In a group planting, the effect is lively and jewel-like: many small pink flowers opening together among green, softly textured stems and bracts. In habitat, Disa glandulosa is associated with moist south-facing slopes in the Cape mountains and has been recorded flowering in summer, particularly around December.

For South African growers, Disa glandulosa offers the appeal of cultivating a truly local orchid gem, while international collectors will value it as a distinctive species from one of the world’s richest floristic regions. It is best suited to growers who enjoy fine-detail plants and are prepared to provide cool, moist, well-aerated conditions suitable for terrestrial orchids, rather than treating it like an ordinary garden annual.

Visit our online seed store for this and many other rare, beautiful and highly collectable species. Add Disa glandulosa to your collection today, Buy Now or Add to Cart, and explore the Extensive Range of diverse seed selections available from Seeds and All. Seeds and All offers combined South African and International shipping, making it easy for local and overseas growers, collectors, gardeners and hobbyists to build an exciting botanical collection from one convenient seed store.