There are many beliefs relating to power of orchids in rural areas in South Africa. Orchids are used in love, death and fertility charms and mixtures which are believed to repel evil or protect from lightning. Horticulture Orchids have an enormous importance in horticulture. Orchids are used as ornamental plants for almost every occasion, both as pot plants and cut flowers. However, there are very few indigenous species which are grown.
Most species found in cultivation are originally from Asia or South America.
The indigenous species, with their small flowers often only appeal to connoisseurs. A remarkable exception is Disa uniflora together with its related species and their hybrids, which is often seen in collections in South Africa and overseas.