Chiloglottis diphylla explained

Chiloglottis diphylla, commonly known as the common wasp orchid, is a species of orchid endemic to Australia. It has two broad leaves and a single narrow, greenish brown to reddish flower with a black, insect-like callus covering the upper surface of the labellum.

Description

Chiloglottis diphylla is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with two leaves NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. A single greenish brown to reddish flower NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide is borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 high. The dorsal sepal is spatula-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with a glandular tip a further NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. The lateral sepals are NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 0.5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and curve downwards. There is a glandular tip NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long on the end of each lateral sepal. The petals are oblong, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and turned strongly downwards. The labellum is diamond-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide with a black, insect-like callus covering most of its upper surface. Flowering occurs from February to May.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and naming

Chiloglottis diphylla was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown and the description was published in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.[3] [4]

Distribution and habitat

The common wasp orchid grows in moist places in shrubby forest on the coast and ranges between Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland and Batemans Bay in New South Wales.

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. 139.
  2. Web site: Jones. David L.. Chiloglottis diphylla. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. 20 April 2018.
  3. Web site: Chiloglottis diphylla. APNI. 20 April 2018.
  4. Book: Brown. Robert. Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae et insulae Van-Diemen, exhibens characteres plantarum quas annis 1802-1805. 1810. London. 322–323. 20 April 2018.