About Satyrium carneum (Aiton) Sims
Satyrium carneum (Aiton) Sims is a robust terrestrial orchid that grows between 370mm and 710mm tall. It produces 2 to 4 thick, fleshy leaves. The lower two leaves are partially pressed against the ground, measure 70mm to 230mm long, and gradually transition into leaf sheaths on the upper part of the stem. This species is distributed from the Cape Peninsula to Riversdale and Sedgefield, where it is becoming increasingly localized and rare. It grows in dune bush vegetation and fynbos on coastal hills and ridges, and occupies moist to dry sands and limestone soils at altitudes ranging from 10 to 300 meters above sea level.
