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Hairylip Snout Orchid
Polystachya pubescens
SA tree number
English: Hairylip Snout Orchid, Small White Polystachya, Fine-Haired Polystachya
Afrikaans: Geel-haarlippie
Zulu: Amabelejongosi
Polystachya pubescens is a delightful, bright yellow to golden, fragrant epiphytic orchid native to South Africa. It's often found growing on tree branches in forests or, surprisingly, on sandstone rocks in full sun, showcasing its adaptability. This species is popular among orchid growers due to its attractive flowers and relative ease of cultivation.
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Distinguishing features:
Epiphytic (grows on trees) or lithophytic (grows on rocks).
Yellow to golden flowers with red to orange, horizontal striations on the upper tepals (petal-like segments).
Flowers are about 2 cm in diameter and inverted, with the dorsal petal directed downwards.
Spongy roots that absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and decaying vegetation.
Can have a pleasant honey-like scent.
Overall appearance:
An epiphytic (growing on other plants, often trees) or sometimes lithophytic (growing on rocks) orchid with clustered stems and a few leaves.
Height:
Typically grows to 10-30 cm in height, including the flower spike.
Width:
The plant itself forms small clumps.
Leaves:
Two to three leathery, lancet-shaped leaves formed from each pseudobulb.
Show a deep running vein.
Often a pronounced purple colour when exposed to intense light (e.g., on sandstone rocks in full sun).
Green in lower light conditions (e.g., in forests).
Ligulate, unequally bilobed apically (5-10 cm long and 1.0-2.3 cm wide).
Flowers:
Erect inflorescence (flower spike) arising from a mature pseudobulb between the leaves.
Lightly hairy inflorescence.
Carries up to eight (or 7 to 12) flowers.
Flowers are bright golden-yellow.
The lip and lower half of the outer petals have contrasting red or red-brown stripes.
Flowers are about 2 cm in diameter.
Inverted, meaning the dorsal petal is directed downwards.
Produce a pleasant honey-like scent.
Flowers open gradually over several months, with multiple flowers often open simultaneously.
Flowering season:
Early autumn to winter (October to December), but can flower all year.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, capsule that splits open to release the seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are tiny and dust-like, typical of orchids.
Stems/pseudobulbs:
Forms multiple elliptical, erect pseudobulbs, which are thickened stems that store water and nutrients.
Roots:
Spongy, aerial roots, characteristic of epiphytic orchids, that absorb moisture from mists and rain and nutrients from decaying vegetation. Also forms roots to anchor to rock surfaces when lithophytic.
Soil type:
As an epiphyte, it doesn't grow in soil but rather on the bark of trees or sometimes on rocks.
Aspect:
Prefers partial shade to shade. Ideally bright indirect light avoiding direct mid-day sun.
Ecology:
Grows as an epiphyte on trees or sometimes as a lithophyte on exposed sandstone outcrops.
Found in coastal forests.
The hair on the lip of the flower is potentially a reward for pollinators (pseudo-pollen/food hair rich in proteins), though the specific pollination system isn't well studied.
Distribution and habitat:
Native to South Africa. (Some sources incorrectly state South America, but SANBI confirms South African distribution).
Not endemic to South Africa (also found in eSwatini and Eastern Zimbabwe).
Provincial distribution in South Africa: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga.
Occurs in coastal forests and on exposed sandstone outcrops.
Found at altitudes up to 1500 meters.
Thrives in regions with summer rainfall and experiences a prolonged dry season during cooler winter months.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Polystachya is derived from the Greek words 'poly' (many) and 'stachys' (spike or flower spike), referring to the many-branched flower spikes found in some species of the genus.
The species name pubescens is Latin for 'hairy' or 'pubescent', likely referring to the lightly hairy inflorescence or other parts of the plant, as reflected in the common names "Fine-Haired Polystachya" or "Hairy-lipped Polystachya."
Historical aspects:
This species was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1863.
The genus Polystachya itself was described by William Jackson Hooker in 1824.
It is a pan-tropical genus, meaning it's distributed across the tropics of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, which is unique for an orchid genus.
Interesting facts:
This orchid is a survivor, growing not only on trees but also directly on exposed sandstone rocks, even in full sun! Its leaves can turn a beautiful purple in intense light.
It's part of a huge family! Polystachya is a large genus with approximately 250 species globally, making it a significant player in the orchid world.
While it might be called "Fine-Haired," its flowers are anything but subtle. They're a striking golden-yellow with reddish stripes and a pleasant honey-like scent!
Growing tips:
Light: Requires bright indirect light. Avoid direct mid-day sun, although it can tolerate more sun in its natural habitat on rocks. Ensure constant, strong air movement.
Temperature: Prefers cool to intermediate temperatures. Ideal range is 18°C to 25°C, with a daily difference of 7-11°C between day and night temperatures. Protect from extreme cold (below 3°C to 12°C depending on source, but ideally not below 15°C for cultivation).
Humidity: Needs high humidity (70-75% for most of the year, dropping to 65% in winter). Regular misting or using a humidity tray is beneficial.
Potting/Mounting: Can be grown in small pots filled with a loose, quickly drying medium that retains some moisture (e.g., bark-based mixtures). Many growers successfully attach them firmly to tree fern washers, bark slabs, or even sandstone/granite pebbles.
Watering: During active growth, water frequently, but ensure excellent drainage. The substrate around the roots should never be soggy. Reduce watering in the dormant winter period (especially if grown outside in summer rainfall areas). If mounted, daily watering might be needed in hot, dry weather.
Feeding: Fertilize weekly with specialized orchid fertilizer at half the recommended dosage during the growth period.
Repotting: Repotting or mounting should be done when new roots begin to grow.
General Care: Easy to grow in milder regions. In South Africa, it's advised to attach it to a tree branch with smooth bark (like Celtis, Syzigium, Harpephyllum) and keep it misted during hot summer months. No water should be given during winter if dormant.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Orchidaceae (testicle (the root tubers)) - Order: Asparagales