Cyphia digitata

Twining geophyte. Tuber edible. Leaves without stalks (pertioles), each leave composed of 3 to 7 linear digits (fingers), sometimes very slightly toothed. Flowers (July to October, even late Autumn in other areas) are two-lipped in upper axils. White to pale mauve with purple spots on upper lip lobes.

Specimens in Hex more closely match the description of C. polydactyla which is now considered to be synonymous with C. digitata.

Distribution in the Hex

Sandy flats in De Doorns Sandstone Fynbos and possible Hex River Arid Alluvium Fynbos. Sandy slopes or clay flats in De Doorns Renosterveld Karoo (both in more Renosterveld-like and more Karoo-like vegetation).

References

• Manning, J. & Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: the Core Cape flora, Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.