disa Bot.
(ˈdaɪsə)
[mod.L. (P. J. Bergius Descr. Plant. ex Capite Bonæ Spei (1767) 348), of obscure origin.]
A tropical African terrestrial orchid of the genus so named, with dark green leaves.
| 1844 Curtis's Bot. Mag. LXX. 4091 (heading) Horned-flowered Disa. 1890 Watson & Bean Orchids xxx. 235 A position in a house which suits cool Odontoglossums will be found agreeable to Disas. 1930 T. W. Briscoe Orchids for Amateurs vi. 109 The Disas are terrestrial, with more or less tuberous roots. 1951 L. G. Green Grow Lovely, growing Old vi. 63 Disas and proteas lasted longer too, and cost less than garden flowers. 1966 E. A. C. L. E. Schelpe Introd. S. Afr. Orchids 9 Only a few of the Disas would be recognised as orchids by the non-botanist. |