Leopard Orchid
Ansellia africana
On a horizontal tree branch, upper Kerio Valley, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kenya. Dec 2014. It is likely that this specimen was transplanted to this location.
This spectacular orchid is widespread and fairly common in Africa. It is normally epiphytic, growing upon branches of trees. The many verticle pseudobulbs serve to trap falling leaves and other debris - this eventually becomes a pot of humus that nourishes the orchid with nutrients and absorbed rain water.
