Taeniophyllum muelleri explained

Taeniophyllum muelleri, commonly known as the chain ribbonroot,[1] is a species of leafless epiphytic or lithophytic orchid that usually forms tangled colonies. It has short stems and cylindrical green roots pressed against the substrate on which it is growing. Between five and twelve yellowish green, tube-shaped flowers open one at a time. This orchid occurs in eastern Australia and New Caledonia.

Description

Taeniophyllum muelleri is a leafless, epiphytic or lithophytic herb that forms tangled colonies. It has a stem about 1mm long and green photosynthetic roots that are circular in cross section, long, about in diameter and pressed against the substrate. Between five and twelve resupinate, yellowish green, tube-shaped flowers about long and wide open one at a time. The sepals are about long and wide, the petals about long and wide. The labellum is pear-shaped, about long, wide with a blunt appendage and a spur on its end. Flowering occurs from August to September.[2] [3]

Taxonomy and naming

Taeniophyllum muelleri was first formally described in 1873 by George Bentham after an unpublished description by John Lindley and the description was published in Flora Australiensis. The type specimen was collected "on trees near Brisbane" by Walter Hill.[4] [5] The specific epithet (muelleri) honours Ferdinand von Mueller.

Distribution and habitat

The chain ribbonroot usually grows on the smallest branches of rainforest trees sometimes on rocks, on coast and nearby ranges of Queensland, New South Wales north from the Bellinger River and New Caledonia.[6]

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. 455.
  2. Web site: D.L.Jones . T.Hopley . S.M.Duffy . David L. Jones (botanist) . 2010 . 31 May 2021 . Factsheet - Taeniophyllum muelleri . . Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR), Australian Government.
  3. Web site: Weston . Peter H. . Taeniophyllum muelleri . Royal Botanic Garden Sydney . 6 January 2019.
  4. Web site: Taeniophyllum muelleri. APNI. 6 January 2019.
  5. Book: Bentham . George . Flora Australiensis . 1873 . 6 . Lovell Reeve & Co. . London . 291 . 6 January 2019.
  6. Web site: Taeniophyllum muelleri . Fauna and Flora of New Caledonia . 6 January 2019.