Habenaria fuscina explained

Habenaria fuscina, commonly known as the green rein orchid, is a species of orchid that is endemic to Cape York Peninsula. It has two or three leaves at its base and up to fifteen small green and white flowers with a labellum shaped like a trident.

Description

Habenaria fuscina is a tuberous, perennial herb with two or three upright leaves at its base, the leaves NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. Between eight and fifteen green and white flowers, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide are borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The dorsal sepal is about 5sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long and 3sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide, overlapping with the base of the petals to form a hood over the column. The lateral sepals are about 5sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long, 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide, turn downwards and spread widely apart from each other. The petals are about 5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. The labellum is shaped like a trident, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide with three lobes. The side lobes are about 5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and the middle lobe is about 4sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. The nectary spur is white with a greenish tip, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. Flowering occurs from February to April.[1]

Taxonomy and naming

Habenaria fuscina was first formally described in 2002 by David Jones and the description was published in The Orchadian.[2] The specific epithet (fuscina) is Latin word meaning "a three-pronged fork" or "trident".[3]

Distribution and habitat

The green rein grows with sedges and rushes in low-lying areas on the northern parts of the Cape York Peninsula.

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. 342.
  2. Web site: Habenaria fuscina. APNI. 25 August 2018.
  3. Book: Brown. Roland Wilbur. The Composition of Scientific Words. 1956. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C.. 345.