DECEPTIVE GRANNIES IN THE ECO-CORRIDOR

Disperis capensis is a very distinctive orchid with a large purple hood with two long spurs that stick out the side and then strongly curved backwards – just perfect for tying the granny’s bonnet on the head.

Disperis capensis does not produce nectar, but deceives its pollinators into visiting the flowers. It attracts the carpenter bees by mimicking flowers of the genus Polygala. These also have large purple petals of a very similar size and colour, and the mimicry is enhanced by the central boss of white. The shape is quite different, so the carpenter bees must be very gullible.

The Disperis flower mimics a Polygala flower, and in so doing, tricks carpenter bees into visiting and pollinating; the Disperis flower produces no nectar.

Sources: Fernkloof, Phillipskop, SANBI