Nervilia uniflora explained

Nervilia uniflora, commonly known as the red shield orchid,[1] is a small terrestrial orchid found in northern Queensland. It has a single short-lived, pink or mauve flower. A dark green, heart-shaped leaf emerges at the base of the flowering stem after flowering.

Description

Nervilia uniflora is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, sympodial herb which grows in colonies with only a few individuals producing flowers in any one year. A single pink or mauve flower NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long and wide are borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The sepals are NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 3sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and the petals are similar but slightly shorter and narrower. The labellum is pink to mauve, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide with three lobes, the middle lobe turned downwards. After flowering, a single heart-shaped leaf develops, including on those plants that did not flower. The leaf is dark green on the upper surface, reddish below, NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide and held horizontally above ground level. Flowering occurs between November and January.[2]

Taxonomy and naming

The red shield orchid was first formally described in 1866 by Ferdinand von Mueller who gave it the name Pogonia uniflora and published the description in Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae.[3] [4] In 1906 Rudolf Schlechter changed the name to Nervilia uniflora.[5] The specific epithet (uniflora) means "one-flowered".[6]

Distribution and habitat

Nervilia uniflora occurs in north Queensland between Cooktown and Proserpine. It grows in woodland, forest and rainforest.

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. 282.
  2. Web site: D.L.Jones . T.Hopley . S.M.Duffy . David L. Jones (botanist) . 2010 . 31 May 2021 . Factsheet - Nervilia uniflora . . Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR), Australian Government.
  3. Web site: Pogonia uniflora. APNI. 18 August 2018.
  4. Book: von Mueller . Ferdinand . Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae . 1866 . 5 . Melbourne . 201 . 18 August 2018.
  5. Web site: Nervilia uniflora. APNI. 18 August 2018.
  6. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 332 . 3rd.