Huttonaea

Huttonaea is a genus of terrestrial orchids endemic to South Africa. These orchids are characterized by their intricate, often spider-like flowers with long, thread-like petals. They are typically found growing in seasonally moist habitats within the Cape Floristic Region.

Huttonaea species are generally small to medium in size and grow from underground tubers. The flowers are usually white, green, or brown and often possess a fragrance to attract specific pollinators. A defining feature of the genus is the complex structure of the lip (labellum), which plays a crucial role in pollination.

The genus is named in honor of Charles Hutton, a South African plant collector. Several Huttonaea species are considered rare or threatened due to habitat loss and over-collection. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique and beautiful orchids.