Distribution: Seventeen species are endemic to southern Africa and one species is found in Tanzania (HP Linder and H. Kurzweil, 1999).
Plant Description: Flower stalks up to 150 cm tall, with one or more leaves. Depending on the species, they bear either few or numerous flowers. These are usually helmet-shaped and typically strongly fragrant. The flowers are pollinated by insects.
Pterigodium catholicum
Recommended soil mixtures: 80 to 90% mineral, depending on availability. Volcanic granules, volcanic stratification, pumice, Seramis, 10 to 20% acidic organic components. Rhodohum has proven effective. The potting soil must be well-draining, with a pH of 5 to 6. An organic substrate consisting of 90% Rhodohum with 10% mineral components also yields good results. For mineral substrates, fertilize with slow-release fertilizer. Approximately 1g of Klanz Universal Fertilizer per plant. See also potting soil.
Remarks on the plants offered Pterigodium catholicum It is native to the Cape region west and east of Cape Town. Winters there are cool and damp, and summers are warm and dry. The species is widespread in sunny and partially shaded bushland. The plants produce three or more tubers each year and are therefore found in large colonies. In poor soils or under heavy shade, the plants rarely flower. Prolific flowering plants only develop after a bushfire or in fertile soils. Regular fertilization is therefore necessary when cultivating this species. Pterigodium catholicum has medium-sized, greenish-yellow to reddish flowers with a strong to pungent fragrance.
Recommended reading: Wild orchids of Southern Africa. J. Stuart, H.P. Linder, E.A. Schelpe, A.V. Hall, 1982. Macmillan South Africa.(Publishers)(Pty)Ltd. ISBN 0 86954 070 X. Growing South African indigenous orchids. Karsten, B. Woodrich, 1997.Balkema ISBN 90 5410 650 6. Orchids of Kenia. Joyce Stuart, 1996. St Pauls Bibliographies,Winchester.ISBN 1 873040 28 8. Orchids of Southern Africa. HP Linder and H. Kurzweil, 1999. AA Balkema/Rotterdam/Brookfield. ISBN 90 5410 4457.
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