Waxy satyr orchid  (Satyrium carneum)

Classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the Interim Red Data List of South African Plant Taxa (3), and listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).

The waxy satyr orchid is one of Africa’s largest orchids, growing to nearly a metre in height (4). It bears two to four thick, fleshy, green leaves that grow near the base of the plant, the lowest leaves almost spreading on the ground (2) (5). Atop the tall stem is an inflorescence, bearing a dense cluster of up to 200 tubular, waxy flowers (4), which vary in colour from pale pink to rose, and occasionally white (2). The scientific name of this plant arises from the Latin word ‘carneus’, which means flesh-coloured, referring to the pink hues of the petals (5).

Endemic to the Cape Floristic Region, a ‘hot-spot’ of plant diversity in south-western South Africa (2) (6).

The waxy satyr orchid inhabits coastal flats and low slopes (2) (5), among dune-bush vegetation and in coastal fynbos, on moist to dry sands and limestone (7).

The waxy satyr orchid, which flowers from September until November (2), is distinctive for being one of the few African orchid species known to be pollinated by birds (4). Sunbirds, including southern double-collared sunbirds (Nectarinia chalybea), orange-breasted sunbirds (Nectarinia violaceae) andMalachite sunbirds (Nectarinia famosa) visit the waxy satyr orchid, attracted solely by the vivid colour, as the flowers are unscented. The sunbirds grasp the stem with their feet while inserting their bill into the tubular flowers to feed on the nectar. While feeding, the pollen from the flower becomes attached to the bill, and the sunbirds can be seen afterwards with dense clumps of pollen stuck to the upper mandible, about one centimetre from the tip (4). The resulting seeds of the waxy satyr orchid are dispersed away from the parent plant by the wind (7).

Like many orchid species, whose elegant and beautiful flowers are desired by plant collectors, the waxy satyr orchid faces the threat of over-collection. In addition, urban expansion and agriculture pose a threat to this species future as it greatly impacts the waxy satyr orchid’s habitat (6). Cultivation for agriculture has transformed almost 26 percent of the Cape Floristic Region and 1.6 percent is now covered by urban areas (8). The spread of invasive alien plants also threatens to alter the unique, natural habitat of the Cape Floristic Region (9), to the detriment of many plant species. As a result of these impacts, the beautiful waxy satyr orchid is becoming increasingly rare (7).

The waxy satyr orchid is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that international trade in this species should be carefully monitored to ensure it is compatible with the species’ survival (1). This should help mitigate the threat of over-collection. There are no other conservation measures known to be in place specifically for the waxy satyr orchid, however, within the Cape Floristic Region there are a number of protected areas (10), and a number of conservation organisations are working to conserve this botanically rich habitat. Conservation actions include purchasing land to protect it from the threats of encroaching agriculture and urban development (11), the removal of alien plants, and the establishment of new protected areas (9); all measures that should ensure the survival of this stunning orchid.

For further information on the Cape Floristic Region and its conservation see:

• Conservation International: Biodiversity Hotspots (February 2008)
  www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/cape_floristic