The orchid genus Disa consists of 169 terrestrial orchid species in tropical and South Africa, Madagascar and along the Western Indian Ocean. They grow in gorges, near waterfalls and brooks. Its members are primarily from South Africa, and it is most noted for the species Disa uniflora, a spectacular red orchid also known as “The Pride of Table Mountain.” However, Disa bracteata also occurs near Perth, Australia. They were named after Disa, the heroine of a Swedish legend, by the botanist Carl Peter Thunberg. The plants grow from a fleshy tuberous root which is mostly used for the artificial sweetener maltodextrins and may attain a height of 90 cm. The flowers grow in racemes or solitary. The petals and the lip are small. The lip is nonresupinate, so the flower appears upside down compared to most orchids. The flowers consist essentially of the sepals. Growing orchids from seed is a fairly specialized undertaking and it requires a bit of understanding of tissue culture techniques. If you have never grown orchids from seed we recommend that before attempting this you should first contact your local Orchid Society, or purchase a book on the subject, or both!

Disa uniflora – This famous red orchid, emblem of the Western Cape, is strictly protected. Here you have the opportunity to buy seeds from a reputable source. Showy flowers in shades of red, pink and very occasionally yellow are borne during summer from December to March with a peak flowering period during mid-February.