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 multifida (Disa charpenteriana, Herschelia charpenteriana, Herschelia multifida, Herschelianthe charpenteriana) – Old-man-pipe Disa, Begging-hand Disa, Begging Hand Orchid

Disa multifida is one of the most intriguing and character-filled South African terrestrial orchids, admired for its delicate structure, subtle colouring and unmistakable “oupa-met-sy-pyp” charm. Native to the Western Cape, it is associated with the Cape Fold Mountain ranges from the Cederberg and Clanwilliam region through to the Swartberg and Oudtshoorn area, where it grows on dry, stony mountain slopes, sandstone slopes and occasionally slightly moister open places in full sun.

This remarkable species produces slender upright stems carrying a refined display of small, sculptural orchid flowers. The blooms are soft lilac, bluish-violet and pale lavender, often washed with greenish-white tones and beautifully marked with fine darker veining. Each flower has a hooded upper section, delicate side segments and a long, thin, drooping spur or tail-like extension that gives the plant a wonderfully unusual, almost animated appearance.

In a group planting, Disa multifida becomes a graceful cluster of airy stems, nodding flowers and threadlike floral details, rising above narrow green leaves. The plant is not loud or oversized, but instead rewards close viewing with exquisite detail: translucent petals, purple-flushed edges, greenish inner hoods, small pinkish central structures and long pendant spurs that make each flower look finely crafted.

Flowering in habitat is mainly in late spring, especially around November, with timing influenced by altitude, rainfall and local seasonal conditions. The flowers are usually described in blue-purple to lilac-purple shades with a greenish overlay, veined dorsal sepals and greenish lips, making this a refined collector’s orchid for those who appreciate unusual form as much as colour.

For South African growers, Disa multifida offers a fascinating indigenous orchid with strong Cape mountain character and genuine specialist appeal. For international collectors, orchid enthusiasts and serious hobbyists, it is a distinctive addition to any carefully curated collection of South African geophytes and terrestrial orchids.

Visit our online seed store and explore the extensive selection available from Seeds and All. Buy Now or Add to Cart to secure Disa multifida seed while available, and browse our diverse collection of rare, unusual and highly collectible species for growers, gardeners, orchid enthusiasts and hobbyists worldwide. Seeds and All offers combined South African and International shipping, making it easy to build your collection in one convenient order.