Disa albomagentea (Orchidaceae), a new species from the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

A new orchid, Disa albomagentea, is described from the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is an obligately fire-dependent species closely related to Disa obtusa (sect. Disella), from which it can be easily distinguished by the larger flowers, i.e. galea 7–9 mm long versus 4–7 mm long, which are patent and bicoloured, i.e. magenta, white and not spotted versus purple brown, white to cream to greenish, and variously purple spotted. It appears to be endemic to seeps and marshes on the high peaks.

Research Highlights►A new orchid, Disa albomagentea, is described from the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. ►It appears to be endemic to seeps and marshes on the high peaks. ►It is an obligately fire-dependent species. ►It grows sympatrically with its closest relative Disa obtusa but differs in 12 features.