This beautiful flower is an orchid (family Orchidaceae), Eulophia cucullata. It is quite widespread in Africa (including South Africa) and Madagascar. It varies in intensity color, but is easily recognized because of the shape and size of the flower. Malawi, although one of Africa's smallest countries, boasts several orchid species than any other African country, testimony to its diversity of habitats. Orchids comprise the most diverse plant family, with over 25,000 species. Eulophia genus includes about 40 species.
Photo identified by C. Archer, National Herbarium, National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.
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