Polystachya mafingensis P.J.Cribb

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Montane scrub
Mafinga Mts., Mafinga Distr.
Jan 2022
Photo: Nick Wightman

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Synonyms:	Polystachya heckmanniana sensu Williamson in Orch. S. Centr. Africa: 122 (1977), non Kraenzl.
Common names:
Frequency:
Status:	Native
Description:	Dwarf epiphytic or lithophytic herb, 3.5–5 cm high. Pseudobulbs clustered, ovoid to 10 mm high, 2–4-leaved. Leaves tongue-shaped, up to 3.5 cm long, folded along the length. Inflorescence 1–3.5 cm tall, 1–4-flowered; peduncle pubescent. Flowers bright yellow, hairless outside. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 8–8.5 mm long; lateral sepals obliquely lanceolate, 10–12 mm long. Petals tongue-shaped, 7 mm long. Lip fleshy, 9–10 mm, with a claw 2 mm long.
Type location:	Zambia
Notes:
Derivation of specific name:	mafingensis: of the Mafinga Mts.
Habitat:	In mistbelt woodland and wooded grassland, an epiphyte on dwarf shrubs and trees and Xerophyta spp., occasionally on rocks.
Altitude range:	2200 - 2300 m
Flowering time:
Worldwide distribution:	Only known from the Mafinga Mts in Malawi and Zambia.
Zambian distribution (Flora Zambesiaca):	N
Zambian distribution (Provinces):	Mc
Growth form(s):
Endemic status:	Near Endemic
Red data list status:	Data deficient
Insects associated with this species:
Spot characters:	Display spot characters for this species
Content last updated:	Monday 14 February 2022
Literature:	La Croix, I. & Cribb, P.J. (1998). Orchidaceae (Part 2) Flora Zambesiaca 11(2) Pages 342 - 343. (Includes a picture). La Croix, I. et al. (1983). Malawi Orchids Volume 1 Epiphytic Orchids National Fauna Preservation Society of Malawi Pages 96 - 97. Protologue (Includes a picture). La Croix, I. et al. (1991). Orchids of Malawi A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam Page 225. (Includes a picture). Phiri, P.S.M. (2005). A Checklist of Zambian Vascular Plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 32 Page 123. Williamson, G. (1977). The Orchids of South Central Africa J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd., London. Pages 121 - 122. as Polystachya heckmanniana (Includes a picture).

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Flora of Malawi: Polystachya mafingensis

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African Plants: A Photo Guide (Senckenberg): Polystachya mafingensis
BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library): Polystachya mafingensis
EOL (Encyclopedia of Life): Polystachya mafingensis
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Polystachya mafingensis
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iNaturalist: Polystachya mafingensis
IPNI (International Plant Names Index): Polystachya mafingensis
JSTOR Plant Science: Polystachya mafingensis
Mansfeld World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops: Polystachya mafingensis
Plants of the World Online: Polystachya mafingensis
Tropicos: Polystachya mafingensis
Wikipedia: Polystachya mafingensis