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 longicornu (Disa longicornis) – Drip Disa, Mauve Disa; Bloumoederkappie

Disa longicornu, the enchanting Drip Disa, is one of the Cape’s most desirable blue-flowered terrestrial orchids and a truly special addition for serious orchid enthusiasts, collectors and adventurous growers. Endemic to South Africa’s Western Cape, it is naturally associated with the Cape Peninsula and Jonkershoek mountain areas, where it favours cool, moist, partly shaded rock ledges, cliffs and seepage zones near permanent water sources at mid to higher elevations.

This species is admired for its elegant, soft lavender-blue to lilac-blue flowers, held above neat green foliage on slender stems. The blooms have a graceful, rounded “hooded” look, with beautifully veined upper segments, broad petal-like lower lobes and a distinctive long spur that gives the plant its wonderfully refined character. In a group planting, the flowers create a cool, luminous display, with each bloom appearing almost translucent in good light.

In habitat, Disa longicornu flowers during early summer, mainly December to January, bringing colour to the moist mountain seeps and shaded cliff habitats where it naturally occurs. Unlike many Cape orchids, it is not considered fire-dependent for flowering, making it especially interesting for growers who enjoy studying the seasonal rhythms of rare fynbos orchids.

Best suited to experienced growers, Disa longicornu should be approached as a cool-growing, moisture-loving terrestrial orchid that appreciates clean water, excellent drainage, bright filtered light and protection from heat and drying winds. It is ideal for dedicated collectors who enjoy the challenge of raising rare Cape orchids from seed and who can provide the careful, patient conditions these remarkable plants deserve.

Browse our online seed store and explore the extensive and diverse range available from Seeds and All. Add Disa longicornu to your collection today, Buy Now or Add to Cart while available, and enjoy access to rare and unusual seed treasures for both South African and International growers. Seeds and All offers combined South African and International shipping, making it easy for collectors and hobbyists around the world to build a truly exceptional botanical collection.