Cyrtostylis reniformis, commonly known as common gnat-orchid, is a species of orchid endemic to eastern Australia. It usually has a single kidney-shaped leaf and a flowering spike with up to eight reddish flowers with a shelf-like labellum.
Cyrtostylis reniformis is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with a single kidney-shaped, heart-shaped or almost round leaf NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. Up to eight dark reddish brown, or rarely yellowish flowers NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long are borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 high. The dorsal sepal is erect and curved forward, linear to lance-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. The lateral sepals are linear, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, about 1sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and curve forwards or downwards. The petals are similar in size and shape to the lateral sepals and curve downwards. The labellum is oblong, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 5sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide and shelf-like with a few serrations near its pointed tip. Flowering occurs from May to October.[1] [2]
Cyrtostylis reniformis 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] The specific epithet (reniformis) means "kidney-shaped".[5]
Common gnat-orchid is widespread and locally common in all Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory, except Western Australia.[1] [2]