Chiloglottis anaticeps explained

Chiloglottis anaticeps, commonly known as the duck's-head wasp orchid or bird orchid is a species of orchid endemic to the New England Tableland of New South Wales. It has two narrow leaves and a single greenish brown or reddish flower with a shiny, dark green callus occupying most of the top of the labellum. One end of the callus looks like a tiny duck's head.

Description

Chiloglottis anaticeps is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with two narrow elliptic to egg-shaped leaves NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide on a petiole NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. A single green to reddish brown flower NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long and NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide is borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 high. The dorsal sepal is NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with a narrow glandular tip a further NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. The lateral sepals are linear, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 1sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and curve downwards with a glandular tip NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. The petals are lance-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 3sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and pressed against the sides of the ovary. The labellum is held horizontally, NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long and NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide. Most of the upper surface of the labellum is covered with a callus of prominent, club-shaped, stalked glands, the one nearest the base of the labellum about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and shaped like a tiny duck's head. The column is green with red spots on the front, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 3sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with broad wings. Flowering occurs from December to February.^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

Taxonomy and naming

Chiloglottis anaticeps was first formally described in 1991 by David Jones from a specimen collected west of Wauchope and the description was published in Australian Orchid Research.^[6] The specific epithet (anaticeps) means "duck-headed" and refers to the stalked gland on the labellum.

Distribution and habitat

The duck's-head wasp orchid grows in tall forest and near granite outcrops in the New England, Werrikimbe and Cathedral Rock National Parks.

Conservation

Chiloglottis anaticeps is listed as "endangered" under the New South Wales Government Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Notes and References

1. Book: Jones. David L.. A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. 2006. New Holland. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.. 1877069124. 138.
2. Web site: Bird Orchid - profile. New South Wales Government Office of Environment and Heritage. 19 April 2018.
3. Jones. David L.. New taxa of Australian Orchidaceae. Australian Orchid Research. 1991. 2. 37.
4. Web site: Jones. David L.. Chiloglottis anaticeps. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. 19 April 2018.
5. Web site: Chiloglottis anaticeps (an orchid) - endangered species listing . New South Wales Government Office of Environment and Heritage. 28 January 2022.
6. Web site: Chiloglottis anaticeps. APNI. 19 April 2018.